C-ENERGY · Connecting Energy NCPs A Pro-Active Network of National Contact Points in the Seventh Framework Programme under the Energy Theme

C-ENERGY Connecting Energy NCPs has the overall objective to reinforce the network of National Contact Points for the 7 Framework Programme of the Energy Theme (Energy NCPs). C-ENERGY is a 1 year coordination action that will lay the foundation for a 4-year action (1 year C-ENERGY and 3 years C-ENERGY +). The practices identified and activities carried out will be further exploited in C-ENERGY + to build all the necessary services/activities to reach the expected long term result: a uniform high-level Energy NCP service across Europe. C-ENERGY is based on 3 main problems: (i) lack of uniform high-level Energy NCPs services across Europe (ii) new NCPs with little or no experience due to the rapid expansion in recent years of FP associated countries (iii) lack of connection among Energy NCPs through transnational exchange of experiences and dissemination of good practices. The specific objectives of C-ENERGY are: 1 Identifying and sharing good practices 2 Promoting trans-national cooperation. In order to reach these objectives C-ENERGY will identify needs and good practices of Energy NCPs. 1 Training session in Brussels and 10 working visits of less experienced Energy NCPs to more experienced Energy NCPs will be organised. Furthermore, trans-national cooperation will be promoted by implementing a common partner search methodology and through an FP7 take-up measure focused on SMEs and industries. 1 international Brokerage Event will be organised for EU researchers in energy sector. C-ENERGY will involve 27 Energy NCPs as partner from 27 different countries plus 13 Energy NCPs as associated partners from 10 different countries, fully involved in activities and budget. 3 Energy NCPs from 3 different Third Countries will receive a grant for travel costs to attend International Brokerage Event. The expected impacts are: (i) tailor made training/ information/ awareness raising mechanisms identified as a sound basis for C-ENERGY + (ii) a strengthened cooperation among NCPs