Introduction: The background to the Milos geophysical project

This paper discusses research and development programs which led to the Milos Geophysical Project. The Commission of the European Communities has been carrying out research and development programs in a wide range of fields for many years. The Energy R and D Programs deal in particular with the development of thermonuclear fusion and the so-called non-nuclear energies including solar energy, biomass, wind power and geothermal energy as well as energy conservation and energy systems analysis. In the case of geothermal energy, the aim of the Commission's First R and D Program (1975-79), which continued throughout a Second Program from 1980 to 1983, was to encourage the Member States in developing their own national programs and to establish an inventory of existing data relevant to the development of geothermal energy in Europe.