The DG-FER project will develop a roadmap for distributed energy in Europe, bringing together the various elements that comprise all the technologies that make up distributed generation (DG) in order to provide an understanding of the links between RES, CHP, distributed electricity-only projects and changes in the operation of the electricity network and the needs for network reinforcement. Until now, although there is a Commission policy for cogeneration and for renewable (which make up most of the DG technologies), there is no coordinated approach towards DG technologies. The project will help overcome this in order to help developing a Commission policy on DG. This will help making the best use of these technologies in the future.

DG-FER is supported by the EU's ALTENER Programme, a non-technological programme aimed at promoting the use of renewable energy sources.

• Draw upon existing work, e.g. the RES White Book and the new SAVE Project MICROMAP for data input.
• Create a European DG strategy / policy overview and consider the synergy between all distributed generation techniques.
• Undertake a comparative analysis between Europe and US / Japan regarding the application of DG
• Undertake a market analysis of DG in Europe.
• Create a consensus view by spreading information and creating a dialog about distributed generation.
• Suggest an action plan for the future

DG-FER will last from January 2003 to March 2004

• Phase 1 deals with project set up and assessment of the issues to be addressed and analysis of the existing knowledge base.
• Phase 2 deals with the development of a strategic plan and roadmap for distributed energy in Europe.
• Phase 3 provides ample time and effort for consultation with stakeholders, Commission officials and Member State administrations. It also includes resources for the revision of the strategic plan and roadmap.
• Phase 4 deals with the dissemination of the results of the project and the development of an action plan for future activities