The EU’s Innovation Fund is set to invest €2.9 billion in 61 projects in its newest funding round aimed at deploying net-zero technologies. These projects will focus on several key areas, including energy-intensive industries, renewable energy and energy storage, net-zero mobility and buildings, cleantech manufacturing, and industrial carbon management.
All selected projects will align with the Clean Industrial Deal, the EU’s blueprint for turning its decarbonisation efforts into a driver for economic growth. This strategy was presented in February and aims to accelerate the transition to a sustainable economy.
Under the Clean Industrial Deal, the European Commission seeks to create a smoother pipeline from green technology innovation to deployment. This includes projects originally funded by the €93.5 billion Horizon Europe research programme, which supports groundbreaking research and innovation across the continent.
However, it is important to note that Horizon Europe and the Innovation Fund are not a natural match. While Horizon Europe projects may develop the right technology, further steps are needed to bring these innovations to market and achieve large-scale impact. The Innovation Fund plays a crucial role in bridging this gap by providing the necessary investment for commercial deployment.
https://sciencebusiness.net/news/r-d-funding/innovation-fund-invests-eu29-billion-net-zero-tech
