From labs to a greener market

Europe’s researchers are the world’s best when it comes to breakthroughs in initial research, writes Emily Smith.

European researchers have a long history to be proud of, from Galileo and the shape of the universe to Einstein and relativity, or, more recently, the University of Ghent and breakthroughs in genetic modification. Indeed a common belief in European Union circles is that, although Europeans often head to the US to turn studies into products, European thinkers are arguably the world’s best when it comes to producing the initial, vital breakthrough in research.

Researchers are now working hard to find the next generation of green technologies, with some financial assistance from the European Union.

EU governments two years ago agreed a €50.5 billion-budget for research projects in 2007-13. This seventh framework programme for research, or FP7, includes funding for the ten ‘themes’ deemed to be the most promising areas for research today.

All ten themes offer funding opportunities for green technologies. Calls have so far been put out for ICT research proposals. Other topics include energy, transport, agriculture and space.

FP7, like its predecessors, is well known in specialist research circles. But the European Commission decided four years ago that European research deserved a wider audience and each day picks out a research project for online attention. About half of these have been part-funded by framework programme money, the rest are just ideas that the Commission thought deserved attention. Here are a few examples of projects being carried out to develop new green technologies.

Green water

• €67 million in total from FPs 4, 5 and 6 (1994-2006)

A project to find ways of encouraging good water management, taking account of topics from resource conservation to soil degradation.

• 530 research teams from around the world.

Green mushrooms

• No FP money

A project to find out how the button mushroom decomposes plant material and its role in the carbon cycle. Researchers hope that once the workings of the mushroom’s genome are properly understood, they could be used for a range of environmental benefits, from cleaning polluted sites to reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

• Led by the University of Warwick in the UK.

Green transport

• No EU funding. Based on results of 1998-2002 FP5 projects

A project to develop ‘green satellite navigation technology’. This would identify the most environmentally friendly, low-emission route for drivers, based on vehicle type, available roads and speed limits. Last year reported 8% fuel savings from the new technology.

Now running without FP money.

Not yet economically viable.

• Led by researchers at the University of Lund in Sweden.

Green energy

• €5.8 million FP7 (2007-10)

A project to develop large solid oxide fuel-cell based (SOFC) power plants. Researchers hope to use SOFC to produce electricity with fewer emissions, greater efficiency and with an increased use of renewable biomass. The Commission says the project is "moving in a positive direction".

• Led by the Finnish Technical Research Centre VTT.

Europe’s researchers are the world’s best when it comes to breakthroughs in initial research, writes Emily Smith.