For the EU to increase the pace of the energy transition, it is necessary to look beyond the ‘conventional’ wisdom and beyond the energy sector to other trends, science and sectors and scan the horizon for relevant technologies and innovations that can contribute to the energy transition. A multi-disciplinary and cross-sectoral monitoring, analysis of and debate on new technologies and innovations is needed to ensure adequate policy responses in support of the energy transition and to feed into the structural dialogues with stakeholders (e.g. on energy market legislation, infrastructure, research and innovation).

To meet these challenges a multi-disciplinary centre of expertise for the energy transition – EnTEC – has been set up that monitors and analyses trends in technologies and innovations that are relevant for the energy transition, in the energy sector but also in other relevant sectors, in particular transport and mobility, industry, the digital sector and cities, homes and buildings. The centres work is also related to the overall aim of creating a (more) sustainable society. Further, the experts of the EnTEC will analyse the impacts of technologies and innovations on the energy transition, provide recommendations for policy responses that guide the energy transition and its impact on and interaction with other sectors and with other policy areas.