Strategic Research Agenda update launched
European Photovoltaic Technology Platform launches second edition of its Strategic Research Agenda
Purpose of the Strategic Research Agenda
The EU PV TP Strategic Research Agenda presents the view of a group of 29 PV experts (from industry and academia) of the research that should be started now in order to reach a defined set of cost targets by certain dates (2020 and 2030). Recommendations for research topics, often including a quantitative performance target relevant to that topic, are categorised according to the time by when it is likely that the results of the research or demonstration work are widely taken up by industry.
The SRA is addressed to the managers and strategists behind public research programmes at EU, national and sub-national level, and to CTOs in industry.
Update
This September 2011 second edition follows an initial SRA published in 2007, and an Implementation Plan published in 2009 specifying the resources to be devoted to each research topic in the 2007 SRA. “One of the most interesting aspects of the preparation of the updated SRA was to assess the progress that had been made in relation to the technology goals set out in the 2007 version. It was gratifying to see that, although of course the medium- and long-term research goals remain to be achieved, many of the short-term objectives have been met and, in several cases, exceeded,” commented Nicola Pearsall, leader of the working group within the EU PV Technology Platform that produced the SRA.
Timeliness
Prof Pearsall continued, “Our report has come at the right time to impact on several EU debates, notably regarding the priorities of the successor programme to FP7, which should devote substantially greater resources to energy R&D than the present programme and the Energy Roadmap 2050 currently being drawn up within the Commission.”
Highlights
The Strategic Research Agenda highlights the research priorities for the full range of PV technologies and for both flat-plate and concentrator systems. At the PV module level, the three main themes of performance enhancement through improved understanding of materials and structure, improved sustainability through reduction of material requirements and recycling and reduced cost through improved manufacturing processes span all technologies. A section on novel approaches considers potentially disruptive technologies with the potential to push the performance beyond current limits. At the system level, the report focuses on the requirements for widespread implementation, both in terms of integration into the built environment and measures for allowing a high penetration of PV systems in the electrical grid.
Next steps
Hard copies of SRA Ed. 2 will be available at the stands of the JRC/European Commission, EUREC Agency and EPIA at the 26th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition in Hamburg from Monday 5 September. From that day an online version will be made available at http://www.eupvplatform.org/publications/strategic-research-agenda-implementation-plan.html. SRA Ed. 2 will be presented in the oral session at the conference on Friday 9 Sept (6EO.1.3). Anyone interested in the activities or membership of the EU PV Technology Platform Working Group that produced the SRA should contact Greg Arrowsmith in the secretariat of the Platform for further information (arrowsmith@eurec.be).
