Konstantinos SIOULAS

The Centre for Renewable Energy Sources and Saving (CRES) is the Greek organisation for Renewable Energy Sources (RES), Rational Use of Energy (RUE) and Energy Saving (ES). CRES has been appointed as the national co-ordination centre in its area of activity. CRES was founded in September 1987 by Presidential Decree 375/87. It is a public entity, supervised by the Ministry of Environment and Energy and has financial and administrative independence. Its main goal is the research and promotion of RES/RUE/ES applications at a national and international level, as well as the support of related activities, taking into consideration the principles of sustainable development. The Centre is managed by a five-member Administrative Council and has a scientific staff of more than 120 highly qualified and experienced multidisciplinary scientists and engineers. Since 1992, CRES is located on its wholly owned premises in Pikermi, Attica, where in addition to over 3,700 square meters of main office space, it has experimental outdoor installations, specialised laboratories for energy technologies, a mechanical shop, conference rooms, a library and maintains a strong computing infrastructure. CRES has installed a demonstration Wind Park in Attica, and operates the Park of ENergy Awareness (PENA), a new demonstration site for Renewable Energy Sources. CRES' funding is mainly provided by National, European and International projects, as well as projects carried out on behalf of the industrial, hotel, and construction sector, etc. CRES operates in two main fields of activity: a) As the National Energy Centre,working on energy planning and policy for RES, RUE and ES in accordance with the policy of the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change and developing the necessary infrastructure for the realisation of RES/RUE/ES investment projects, b) As a Research and Technological Centre for RES/RUE/ES, through applied research on new energy technologies and by technically supporting the market for the penetration and implementation of these technologies. In line with its mission, CRES: ·         is the official consultant of the Greek government on matters of RES/RUE/ES in national policy, strategy and planning; ·         carries out applied research and develops technologies which are both technically/economically viable and environment-friendly undertakes demonstration and pilot projects, to promote the above technologies; ·         implements commercial RES/RUE/ES applications in private sector energy projects, local authorities, professional associations, etc.; ·         provides technical services and advice, in the form of specialised know- how and information, to third parties; ·         disseminates technologies in its areas of expertise and provides reliable information and support to interested organisations and investors; ·         organises and/or participates in technical and scientific seminars, educational programmes, specialised training courses, meetings, etc. Within the scope of its activities as a Research and Technological Centre, CRES provides the link between basic research and industry, aiming at the development of local technological products and services. Through this activity, CRES has obtained important know-how, participating in many research projects and networks. In parallel, by co-ordinating and participating in a respectable number of pilot and demonstration projects, the Centre has assisted the market in accepting and adopting new energy technologies. CRES has provided important services to private investors and local authorities, exploring the techno-economical possibilities for the application of RES/RUE/ES projects It has carried out national, European and international investment projects for RES/RUE/ES, contributing substantially to the evaluation of investment proposals, the technical monitoring of the projects, the briefing of investors, public organisations, industry and other relevant sectors, as well as raising public awareness of RES/RUE/ES. As an advisor to the Greek State on matters of national energy policy, especially RES/RUE/ES, CRES has worked for the development and realisation of business initiatives and investment ventures, participating in the planning, co-ordination and monitoring of integrated programmes and projects at national, regional and local levels. Internationally, CRES has promoted Greek interests in the energy sector in regions of specific interest for Greece such as, the Mediterranean, the Balkans and the Black Sea, developing a network of communication and co-operation with the energy organisations in these regions, and has participated in projects, international fora and networks. Over the years CRES has participated in more than 900 European, national and international projects. Through these projects, CRES has developed co-operation with numerous public and private organisations, at a national, European and international levels.