European Photovoltaic Actions and Programmes-2012

The last calls of the EU 7 Framework Programme for research have been already published. About EUR 195 million have been invested in research and demonstration projects on photovoltaics with the first five calls of the Programme. The actions to transform the photovoltaic market are carried out with the second Intelligent Energy Europe Programme. Horizon 2020 is the next framework programme for research and innovation for the 2014-2020 period. On the basis of the Commission proposals, the European Parliament and Council are negotiating the terms for the adoption of the legislative acts. The Commission wishes renewable energy to be developed as cost effectively as possible and works with Member States on the implementation of the Directive on renewables to facilitate the convergence of national support schemes, with schemes following best practice, avoiding over-compensation and retroactive changes. The June 2012 communication on renewables proposes the elements to start discussing the regulatory, industrial and technological configuration and legal instruments which are necessary for the post 2020 environment. The continuous growth of the photovoltaic electricity production in Europe justifies further consideration, particularly with regard to whether the center of gravity of the photovoltaic industry has already moved from technology development and demonstration to market deployment.