During October, Horizon looks at wind turbines that can float far out to sea, and innovative materials to make solar panels that can generate more energy from the sun. We report from the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) in the south of France, where world powers are collaborating on a nuclear fusion reactor which will operate at temperatures ten times hotter than the core of the sun.
Horizon also examines some of the innovative ideas that are helping Europeans save more energy in the home, and explores the world’s most sustainable office building.
This video gives an overview of what the EU is doing in the field of energy research and innovation.
These videos give you more information about specific areas of energy research:
Cheaper and greener electricity at home
Exploring the effects of low-dose radiation
Green buses for European cities
Innovative photovoltaic modules
Large scale carbon capture for cleaner air
As the moon spins around the earth, its gravity creates a bulge in the oceans that causes tides. Researchers are working out ways to tap into this immense power, and smart sensors could help them do it cost-effectively.
Automated coal mining equipment is helping cut down on wastage in Europe's coal mines, and make the process cleaner and safer.
Techniques are being devised to capture greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane from the burning or extracting of fossil fuels - before they cause damage to the atmosphere.
From wind turbines in Germany to solar panels in Spain, regions across the EU are using natural resources to become specialists in their own type of sustainable energy, bringing much-needed investment for businesses and citizens.
Dr Suchitra Sebastian is looking for materials that are so conductive they do not lose any energy at all, and if she succeeds it would be a step towards reducing the amount of electricity required to power homes, factories and offices, helping producers of renewable power meet Europe’s burgeoning energy needs.