Nordic Energy Research

This article compiles relevant questions and answers regarding the Nordic Energy Systems Programme. For further inquiries, please contact Adviser Ole Aune Ødegård or Senior Adviser Maria Enge. 

You can also access the presentation from the call webinar below.

Call webinar presentation

How do I write a proposal for this call? Do you want us to write detailed activities? 

The call asks energy system modellers from the Nordics to collaborate, share data and their research, and work together. In your proposal, focus on what you know, what your experience is, and what you want to achieve in the programme. Why do you want to participate and what do you have to offer?  

Can I apply for one or more work packages? 

You can apply to Work Package 1 or Work Package 2, or both. Each application for each work package will be evaluated individually, so you are welcome to apply for WP1 and WP2 or just one of them. If you want to apply for WP0 you must also apply for WP1 and WP2.  

How much can I apply for as project lead in WP0? 

You can apply for a maximum of 4.3 MNOK in WP0. This sum should include at least 0.5 MNOK for WP1 and WP2 respectively. 

The call text says that I must budget for WP1 and WP2 in the WP0 application – what does that mean?  

If you are granted funding for WP0, you will receive funding from Nordic Energy Research for WP0 activities as well as for WP1 and WP2 activities. Therefore, please include 0.5 MNOK for participation in WP1 and 0.5 MNOK for participation in WP2 in your WP0 budget. This should not mean more work, as a budget must be included in the applications for WP1 and WP2. 

Should travel and workshop costs be included in my budget? 

Yes, this should be included in your budget. As the programme is about building cooperation, networks and the sharing of ideas, travel and workshops will be part of the work.  

Can we, as a company, team up with a Research Performing Organisation (RPO) in an application to WP1/WP2? 

It depends on whether that is doable with the national regulations of the National Funding Agency that the RPO would receive funding from. You can always join as a self-financed partner. 

Is there a need to apply as a consortium in any WP? 

No, a single RPO can apply to all WPs.  

Is it possible to apply as a national consortium? 

Yes, but the payment is made to the RPO that is the Project Owner and then the money can be redistributed (if allowed according to the national funding agency’s rules).

Is it possible to apply as a consortium for WP0 and have more than one institution leading the project? 

Yes, it is possible to apply as a consortium. However, the payment is made to the RPO that is the Project Owner and then the money can be redistributed. 

Are “applicant”, “organisation”, and “participant” the same concepts? As you mentioned, e.g., Sweden can fund up to three “participants”. 

Yes, a Project Owner in the application system is one participant. 

Why is the duration for the WP1 and WP2 limited to just one year? With this duration, hardly any concrete objectives can be achieved. 

This is not an ordinary research programme. The aim is to create lasting relationships between the system modellers in the Nordic countries to exchange ideas and to build a robust pan-Nordic modelling network. We hope that his can help build a stronger foundation for our energy system models in the long run and give us some important results in the short run. 

Could you please explain more about “Letter of Commitment”? 

A Letter of Commitment (LoC) should provide a confirmation of the participation and commitment of the partner, including indication of the monetary value of in-kind contribution if relevant. The LoC should be signed by a person who holds the authority to represent the Project Owner (the higher-education institution, HEI) and/or the respective partner.