Source:solarquarter
Representational image. Credit: Canva
The European Commission has announced a new call for proposals under its Innovation Fund programme, offering a €2.4 billion budget to accelerate the development of low-carbon technologies. The initiative aims to enhance European competitiveness and industrial capacity in energy-intensive industries, renewable energy, energy storage, and carbon capture, use, and storage (CCUS).
This funding opportunity is part of the EU’s strategy to scale up innovative net-zero technologies that can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, supporting the bloc’s energy transition and decarbonisation goals. The programme offers funding for small, medium, and large-scale projects, as well as for clean technology manufacturing and pilot projects designed to validate and optimise deep decarbonisation solutions.
Collaboration Through Horizon Europe
Five European projects—2DPLOY, DIAMONDS4IF, H2IF, LEADS, and REALIZE—are joining forces to assist companies in applying for Innovation Fund support. These projects, funded under the Horizon Europe programme, are leveraging their expertise to guide applicants through the complex process.
The projects aim to meet key Innovation Fund criteria, including the degree of innovation, greenhouse gas avoidance potential, project maturity, scalability, and cost efficiency.
Federico Spadaro, coordinator of the H2IF project, highlighted the growing momentum in energy storage and hydrogen initiatives. “With €1 billion allocated specifically to battery technology, the Innovation Fund presents a unique opportunity for the battery industry to drive forward the innovation needed to meet Europe’s net-zero targets,” he said.
Expert Guidance for Applicants
Project leaders have emphasised the need for clear strategies and targeted guidance to navigate the intricate application process:
Driving Europe’s Net-Zero Ambitions
The Innovation Fund is set to disburse €3 billion over the next three years, furthering Europe’s ambitions to become a global leader in clean technology. With its focus on detailed award criteria and high-quality applications, this call is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing decarbonisation efforts across multiple sectors.