KEY TERM

Achieving its stated objective of being a refer-ence point for future EU activities in this area. Since my appointment as European Science and Research Commissioner in November 2004, I have insisted on the importance of sci-ence and research as the key to solving many of the challenges that we face. I can think of no bet-ter illustration of this approach than the issue of energy. Here, we have various requirements in front of us: finding secure and sustainable sources of energy that support our economic growth and competitiveness without damag-ing our environment. The answer to reconcil-ing these requirements lies in knowing more and being better. We have a chance to work together to develop solutions to the problems of climate change and energy supply that not only ensure our future economic development, but give European scientists and companies the opportunity to be (or remain) at the cutting edge of technological development. It is crucially important that we take this opportunity and make it work.Fusion energy is generated by nuclear fusion reactions, in which two light atomic nuclei (isotopes of hydrogen) fuse together to form a heavier nucleus (helium) and, in doing so, release large amounts of energy. Fusion is the fundamental energy source of the universe and is the process that powers the Sun and the stars.
Smart grids and smart energy networks are electrical transmission networks that use advanced sensing, communication, and control technologies to distribute electricity more efficiently and economically than traditional electrical grids.