SET 11: Participation at the EERA Secretariat

The overall objective of the project is to ensure Norwegian representation in the EERA SEC (through SINTEF) and the associated SET Plan governance interaction, to promote Norwegian energy-focused research interests in Europe and participation of Norwegian research actors, particularly now during the crucial phase of the SET (Strategic Energy Technology) Plan, which is transitioning from its planning phase to the implementation phase and from Horizon 2020 to Horizon Europe.

Norwegian participation in both projects and agena setting within the SET Plan area has increased during the period, at least partly due to more involvement through EERA and EERA activities. Especially the engagement in the fomative phase of Horizon Europe ? Strategic Plan, Workprogram and Partnership, but also as a position where it was possible to be informed and react to the Green Deal initiatives and the Recovery opportunities forced by the covid-19 pamdemic. The project has made it possible to spend the resources needed to help shape EERA and engage norwegian actors from the position held.

The purpose of EERA is to strengthen and expand Europe’s capabilities in sustainable energy research by connecting and joining European energy research activities. EERA’s efforts take place in the context of and contribute to the targets formulated in the Strategic Energy Technology (SET) Plan, being an important part of Europe's energy research backbone. With the ultimate objective of coordinating energy research for a low carbon Europe, EERA supports Member States/Associated Countires, the European Commission and industry in realizing this great ambition. By actively participating in the EERA Secretariat SINTEF, on behalf of the Norwegian community, has the opportunity to ensure that Norwegian interests at the core of EERA are heard and discussed and at the same time ensure an efficient, high-quality implementation of such interests. This is particularly important now that Norway, through SINTEF, chairs EERA. Major activities of the EERA Secretariat include: 1) Alignment of European energy research by supporting the 17 EERA Joint Programmes in the development of their activities, research agendas, coordination actions, as well as facilitating synergies and exchange of best practices in line with the SET-Plan Priorities. Besides, the EERA Secretariat is currently taking the lead in drafting a strategy for fostering European alignment 2) Monitoring, assessment and development of EERA 3) Collaboration with stakeholders and knowledge transfer by supporting external collaboration with key stakeholders - particularly universities and industry - on specific joint activities to be implemented. Further, the EERA Secreatriat supports international collaboration, and facilitates transfer of knowledge 4) Communication and dissemination, ensuring that updated information about EERA and its results are available to stakeholders and wider audiences, and continuously engage to influence the policy framework on national and EU level