Policy Options: R&D

IEA's R&D priorities for each renewable resource:

improved conversion technologies in combustion systems, gasification, liquid fuels, co-firing of biomass wastes in coal-fired generating plants, process modeling, biotechnology

to drive the cost down there is a need for: better aerodynamic models, new intelligent structures and materials, improved understanding of mechanical loads, more efficient generators and converters, reliable small machines for remote locations and large sea-based machines.
to minimize environmental impacts there is a need for: combined land use, visual integration, reduced noise from machines and increased knowledge of effects on flora and fauna.
to enable large-scale use there is a need for: improved forecasting of power output, better power quality and hybrid systems, including hybrids with natural gas.

improved generators, transmissions and control systems, synergy between hydro and other renewables, quantification of negative externalities

product development, heat storage, integration with energy efficiency and building technologies

build confidence in technologies through: demonstrations showing reliability, automated operation
improve efficiency through: higher design temperatures, hybrid systems with fossil
reduce costs through: improved designs, materials and components, extend applications

for the short term there is a need to: improve technologies related to current applications such as autonomous systems, building-integrated PV, in-line process controls, balance of systems and crystalline silicon cell and wafer production technologies
for the medium term there is need for: improved hybrid systems, distributed generation, thin film and polycrystalline solar cells.
for the longer term the main priorities are: technology improvements for large-scale systems, storage in and interaction with grids, higher efficiency and contacting mechanisms and cells, cells made of plastic and other materials, monolithic compounds in PV, and organic cells.

modeling tools for design, storage, safety, integrated systems for: production/storage/transport and use, production from sunlight and renewables, fuel cells, hybrid systems.