TRACKING ENERGY INNOVATION IMPACTS FRAMEWORK

ended

The objective of the project is to provide enhanced insights into the impact that innovation, in particular through Research, Development and Demonstration (RD&D), is having on progress in key clean energy technologies and in the transformation of energy systems around the world. Assessments of the impact of innovation support programmes, such as Horizon 2020, are of significant interest to the European Commission and governments investing in clean energy innovation. The TEIIF project will be delivered by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). The Agency will draw on its established capabilities (its global membership, existing databases and analytical experience) to expand relevant data sets and to develop a methodology to allow the more robust, quantitative assessment of clean energy innovation progress. Such an assessment will lead to a better understanding of the progress being made through clean energy innovation. The project results will be disseminated to policy makers to: provide them with better insights into the impact of their innovation funding and support programmes; assist in identifying both strengths and gaps, and; inform future investment plans. The project will address specific challenges associated with tracking innovation and their impacts by (1) broadening and deepening IRENA’s existing cost and performance data sets for key clean energy technologies; (2) exploring the use of datasets around patents, standards and publications related to clean energy innovation and (3) analysing clean energy innovation progress and trends based on innovation output indicators. The project will link to and build upon existing efforts of the European Commission, including work by the Joint Research Centre and other actors.