Boosting the EU's Green Transition: Innovation Fund launches new calls for proposals

Designed to accelerate the implementation of cutting-edge low-carbon technologies, these new calls for proposals seek to advance the path of Europe towards climate neutrality by 2050, while promoting economic growth and industrial competitiveness.

A Decisive Boost for Green Innovation

Funded by revenues from the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), the Innovation Fund allocates billions of euros to support transformative projects in energy-intensive industries, renewable energy generation, carbon capture and storage, and clean technology manufacturing. These efforts ensure that Europe remains at the forefront of the global energy transition towards clean energies.

This year, the calls will channel up to €3.400 billion towards innovative initiatives, making it one of the most significant funding rounds to date. The focus is on supporting projects with the potential to achieve significant greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions and set innovation standards across a range of sectors.

Key Financing Opportunities

1. General Calls for Decarbonisation

 Large Scale Projects: Aimed at projects with capital expenditures (CAPEX) exceeding 100 million euros, focused on significant GHG reductions through advanced technologies and processes.

 Medium-Scale Projects: For initiatives with CAPEX between 20 and 100 million euros, designed to drive decarbonisation in key sectors.

 Small-Scale Projects: With CAPEX between 2,5 and 20 million euros, this call encourages smaller-scale innovations with significant impact.

1. Call for Production of components for Clean Technologies Focused in projects related to the production of components for renewable energies, energy storage, heat pumps and hydrogen production. By prioritizing projects with CAPEX exceeding 2,5 million euros, it seeks to strengthen the industrial base of clean technologies in Europe.

2. Call for Electric Vehicle Cells Recognising the critical role of energy storage, this call is specifically dedicated to improving Europe’s capacity in the sustainable production of battery cells for electric vehicles.

3. Call for Pilot Projects Supports pioneering technologies with the potential to achieve at least a 75% reduction in GHG emissions compared to traditional methods and focusing on a high degree of innovation.

4. Renewable Hydrogen Auction A new competitive mechanism seeks to accelerate the production of renewable hydrogen Renewable Fuels from Non-Biological Origin (RFNBO). This innovative model offers a fixed premium per kilogram of certified hydrogen produced, ensuring cost efficiency and rapid implementation. This call presents a specific budget for those projects directly related to the maritime sector.

Flexible Support

The Innovation Fund stands out for its flexible financing model. Selected projects can receive grants covering up to 60% of the relevant costs, with up to 40% disbursed in pre-construction payments linked to project milestones. This approach ensures the financial support necessary for innovative initiatives to thrive from development to large-scale implementation.

Building Europe's Green Future

These funding opportunities reflect the EU's strong commitment to building a sustainable future. By supporting transformative projects, the Innovation Fund not only boosts emissions reductions, but also creates local jobs, strengthens industrial competitiveness and positions Europe as a global leader in clean technology innovation.

David García Arrate – Senior Project Manager
from Euro-Fundig