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The S3P-Energy is a joint initiative of the Directorates-General for Regional and Urban Policy, Energy, and the Joint Research Centre (JRC). The S3P-Energy is planned to become an enabling tool for regions to coordinate, rationalise and plan their respective energy strategies, develop a shared vision on knowledge-based energy policy development, and set up a strategic agenda of collaborative work .

The S3P-Energy is addressing energy issues as part of the European efforts to achieve a shared vision on knowledge-based energy policy in regions. Activities initiated at local or regional level should be developed in a more coherent manner: although they rely on local potential, they have to be also consistent with EU broad energy policy objectives. The goal is to better align local and regional activities through the identification of the technologies and innovative solutions that contribute to the EU energy policy priorities. These priorities include sustainability, competitiveness and security of supply.

The main objective of the S3P-Energy is to support the optimal and effective uptake of the Cohesion Policy funds for energy, and to better align energy innovation activities at national, local and regional level through the identification of the technologies and innovative solutions that support in the most cost-effective way the EU energy policy priorities.

The ultimate objective is to contribute to the shift towards a low carbon economy by 2050 and to respond to some of the societal challenges identified in the EU 2020 Strategy. The EU has set out plans for a new climate and energy policy framework.  Europe is determined to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 40 % by 2030 compared to 1990. Respectively, it has committed itself to achieve at least 27 % share of renewables. Hence, there is a clear link between innovation and the EU’s energy and climate targets.

Who is involved in the S3P-Energy?

The activities will  be carried out by JRC-IPTS, in close collaboration with DG REGIO and DG ENER. These activities will be targeted at information, knowledge and expertise provision for policy-makers, authorities and stakeholders in charge of energy and research and innovation policies and Cohesion Policy funding.

The Platform will be a service to the Member States and regions, supported by a network of policy makers and experts and a web-based facility where policy-makers are directed to relevant information linked to their needs. Proactive ‘match-making’ for Member States and regions that have planned investments in energy innovation will also be developed. Effective cooperation can also be facilitated by thematic seminars and guidance materials to strengthen regional/local capacities, while also ensuring cooperation amongst the interested Member States and regions for increased synergies and impact of the activities. The work will further allow DGs JRC, REGIO and ENER to be better informed of the developments and challenges in the Member States and regions.

The S3 Platform wants to collaborate with interested regions and Member States to: (i) analyse current energy priorities and policies, and (ii) identify good practices and roadmaps for bottom-up transregional and transnational cooperation. The subsequent goal is to set up a strategic agenda of collaborative framework which will accelerate the development and deployment of innovative low carbon technologies.

The Platform will prepare thematic papers and carry out active outreach activities, to build and disseminate knowledge to MS, regions and other interested stakeholders on the possibilities for investing in energy projects from the Cohesion Policy funds. It will also support the identification of common challenges and the establishing of solutions (including by sharing good practice).

The main task of the new Platform on Energy will be divided into the following work packages (WP):

• WP 1 – Policy research and implementation advice.
• WP 2 – Mutual trans-national learning arena: Thematic advice and ‘Matchmaking’ for regions.
• WP 3 – Information, communication and dissemination activities.
• WP 4 – Specific information and analysis in support of DGs ENER and REGIO