Given the global nature of the challenges of the “Energy” Theme, it is of increasing importance to facilitate international cooperation as an important element of energy research in the 7th Framework Programme.

Research projects therefore aim for the intensification of cooperation activities with project partners from non-European institutions. A particular focus is on Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) as well as on industrialised countries, such as Japan and the USA. Activities of multilateral initiatives, such as the Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum (CSLF), are also supported.