German utility E.ON is planning to spend E6 million in 2008 to explore the potential of nanotechnology for the energy sector under its International Research Initiative.
E.ON said that teams and researchers from all over the world can apply to obtain support for projects dealing with the use of nanotechnology in fields such as energy storage, electricity transmission, carbon capture and storage and energy saving.
E.ON said that it is backing a still very young research discipline because experts predict that the particles ranging from 1nm to 100nm in size can greatly benefit energy use, that is both more efficient and sustainable for the environment.
The invitation for applications is part of the International Research Initiative launched in 2007 under which E.ON will make E60 million available by 2016 for research projects with different subjects of emphasis.