This paper aims at giving a critical picture of the expenditures in research, development and demonstration (RD&D) for renewable energy sources (RES) in the EU-15 Member States. By providing this objective a number of performance indicators are proposed, evaluated and discussed. RD&D performance is measured in terms of RD&D intensity, e.g. spending per unit of GDP, as well as with regard to RD&D output such as the number of patents in the different sectors of technology. The evaluation of the funds spent can help the rationalisation of the efforts made to support renewable energy RD&D and facilitate the joint investments in RD&D activities. This perspective is essential for facing the increasing competition that the EU industry meets in the international markets for RES. The knowledge and rationalisation of the RD&D spending in research activities is the starting point for a common approach to strengthen the EU industry in this field of expected strong growth. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.