The aim of this article has been to present the complex supporting system of development of modern energy technologies. That development aims at reaching the objectives of the EU energy policy, supplying sustainable, competitive and secure energy, namely. A special role has been set to modern, energy efficient and emission low technologies in the process of meeting the objectives. Therefore the energy R&D receives in the EU a special attention and political support. It has been stressed that modern energy technologies are likely to be of the same crucial importance as military, or ITC technologies for nations in the process of economy globalisation. Most essential drives in energy R&D have been listed. Different activities of the EU leading to the proposal of European Strategic Energy Technology Plan, SET-Plan (scheduled for 2008) have been presented as well as the plan's highlights. Barriers of energy R&D and proposals of their removing have been put forward. Chosen EU programs and initiatives supporting activities in energy area have been listed. Some chosen instruments have been shortly presented. Final conclusions stress the importance and need for further support for a variety of activities as a perquisite for successful development of modern energy technologies at the level of EU and underpinned by MS governments and private sector.