The new 2007 Intelligent Energy Europe (IEE) call for proposals has just been launched with a new set of priorities for this year. This call will be open to both the public and governmental sectors as well as to NGOs and SME's.  Interested parties will have the opportunity to submit an IEE project proposal by 28th September 2007.

IEE is a EU funded programme being implemented with the idea to help reaching the Kyoto targets, i.e. to reduce CO2 emissions and improve energy efficiency. IEE would help reaching these targets within the EU, by facilitating the adoption of energy saving policies as well as new technologies in a more effective way.

The IEE does not fund the purchase of equipment, such as photovoltaic panels or solar water heaters, but rather focuses on removing non technological barriers at a regional and national level. The aim of this programme is to stimulate market growth across the EU and raise awareness through the educational system and businesses enterprises.

The programme streams into three main actions:

• ALTENER: promote new and renewable energy sources in the production of electricity;
• SAVE: foster energy efficiency and a rational use of energy, in particular the building sector;
• STEER: promote energy efficiency and new renewable sources in transport, encouraging a diversification of fuels and means of transport.

With 52 million Euros available for the 2007 call and up to 75% funding of the total eligible project costs, the new call for proposals is introducing new features which will make the IEE Programme even more appealing to potential beneficiaries.

A project partnership needs to be made up of at least three partners from three different countries (EU members, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Croatia). Partners can be found on the following website: www.managenergy.net

Further information can be found by visiting the:

• IEE Official website: http://ec.europa.eu/energy/intelligent/index_en.html
• Malta National Contact Point website: www.iee.org.mt
• IEE National Contact Point at iee@gov.mt