The first call for proposals under the Energy & Transport programme invites proposals for excellent projects in electric transportation. Initially NOK 12 million will be available for distribution among successful project proposals focused on electric transportation.

The Energy & Transport programme aims at strengthening the position of the Nordic region in the development, testing and use of electric transport solutions. This objective is directly aimed at contributing to the achievement of the Nordic Prime ministers’ vision of the Nordic region as "the Green Valley of Europe"- A global test ground for sustainable transport solutions.

The Nordic region has a history of successful cross-border co-operation in the energy sector. The well-functioning Nordic electricity market and a long-standing history of collaboration in energy research are prime examples. Knowledge, networks, communication channels and routines therefore already exist and will reduce the time spent, as well as increase the quality of work. This represents a major comparative advantage that this programme seeks to build on.

In preparation for this call, and in dialogue with the Nordic energy and transport sectors, the Energy & Transport programme has identified three thematic areas within electric transportation that should ideally be addressed in Nordic unity. These three thematic areas are: technical aspects, framework conditions and business development.

The thematic area "technical aspects" should contain projects designed to strengthen the Nordic region's role in technology development, and has a particular focus on infrastructure solutions. The thematic area "framework conditions" should contain projects that evaluate, strengthen and promote tax schemes, regulations and other incentives to promote electric transportation. Finally the thematic area “business development” should contain projects that look into how to develop a 21st century business model design for Nordic Electric Transportation.

This first call under the Energy & Transport programme is focused on electric transport solutions, but will be followed by further calls in other areas relating to sustainable transportation during the programme period. The time period of the programme is 3 years - that is, from the beginning of 2010 until the end of 2012.

The full call text can be downloaded at www.nordicenergy.net/transport

Energy & Transport Programme Secretary
Amund Vik, Special Advisor – Nordic Energy Research
Amund.vik@nordicenergy.net, Telephone: +47 916 08 347