Europe is the cradle of the stationary and marine reciprocating engine industry. During more than a century, the engine concept has evolved into a modern reliable machine for efficiently converting fuel into mechanical energy. The majority of the propulsion power of naval vessels is equipped with engines of European design and make. European engines are generally considered to be of superior quality. For many years, the industry has been the provider of tens of thousands of highly qualified jobs. Its contribution to exports outside Europe is substantial.

Gas-fuelled reciprocating engines have proven to be excellent prime movers for cogeneration installations. Thousands of such units are being used in the world. Increased use of cogeneration will help to limit the use of fossil fuels in Europe. That is important in securing the future energy supply for Europe. Increased use of cogeneration is fully in line with the targets of the European Commission

As a consequence, the industry has hardly any profit margins justifying research leading to costs reductions and further improvements in performance of this energy-saving technology. The major European gas companies, who put a lot of effort in gas-engine research until three years ago, have almost completely stopped their involvement because of costs reductions arising from competitive forces. Technical universities have decreased their engine-related activities because of reduced funding for the subject and because of a general lack of interest of European students in technology.

The first CHAPNET workshop held on November 19, 2002, in Brussels showed however that the stake holders in this industry branch still have a clear vision on further improvements of their technology. Routes towards better economics and reduced emissions have been highlighted. There was much enthusiasm for collaborative action in the field of research and development. It was also stressed that a stable long-term vision of the European policy makers on energy and emission issues would greatly help in taking the decisions for future investments.

Currently, the market is to volatile to justify many innovations. The participants agreed on the organisation of a major conference on the subject to inform stake holders and policy makers of the many possibilities of reciprocating engines in energy saving cogeneration installations.