Publisher's Synopsis
The European Communities have long been concerned in pursuing a diversified energy R&D policy in which all technologically exploitable sources of energy have a place. Hydrocarbons still represent the most versatile and widely used form of energy. According to the forecasts by the year 2010, 60% of the total energy used in the Member States will come from hydrocarbons alone. This means that a vigorous R&D programme is necessary to : extend the reserves by the development of improved exploration and production techniques which can reduce production or operating costs; develop oil substitutes and improve the quality of transport fuels for a better engine operation within environmental constraints. With these aims, in 1985, the first four-year sub-programme on "Production and Utilization of Hydrocarbons" was included in the third Non Nuclear Energy R&D Programme. A budget of approximately 15 MECU was allocated to this sub-programme which dealt with the following four main areas of R&D : A Improvement of knowledge and means for exploration of oil fields and development of new, improved and optimized production methodologies. B. Extension of gas use and new means for its conversion into convenient liquid fuels. C. Development of better methods for more complete conversion of heavy oil and bottom fractions. D. Improvement of fuels for transport and improved matching of fuels and engines.
