Research on materials and renewable energy

In this paper, an overview on the subject of materials and renewable energy, mainly from the research point of view, is carried out. Energy and materials are nowadays driving science and technology. There is a search for cleaner, cheaper and more efficient energy production, and this is obviously related to the development of new and innovative materials. As energy is a top European priority, materials research can enable Europe to meet its future energy and climate goals. The importance of raw materials for the energy sector and the future of advanced materials for low carbon energy are addressed. Materials-based solutions to the energy problem and guidance on research in this field are also the aim of this paper. (C) 2016 Portuguese Society of Materials (SPM). Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L.U.. All rights reserved.