The European Commission is inviting applications under a funding programme with a total budget of €7,000,000, aimed at supporting the clean energy transition, competitiveness, and decarbonisation of European industry and businesses through collaborative deployment of net-zero energy technologies and industrial energy cooperation.
The initiative focuses on supporting the implementation of EU legislation, particularly the Energy Efficiency Directive and Renewable Energy Directive as applied to the business sector, while enabling viable business models for the deployment of clean energy solutions and industrial energy cooperation ready for market uptake. It prioritises industrial integration of sustainable energy solutions into production processes, the deployment of energy-related infrastructure and services that facilitate clean energy exchange, and the development of technological solutions adapted to industrial energy needs. It also seeks to accelerate and streamline projects that promote clean, affordable, and sustainable energy use at regional and local levels across industrial ecosystems.
The expected outcomes include the establishment of co-designed and standardised technological solutions tailored to specific industrial sectors, increased deployment of net-zero energy technologies, development of investment plans within industrial clusters endorsed by key stakeholders, and the expansion of energy cooperation practices among companies. The initiative also emphasises strengthening skills and knowledge among relevant stakeholders and increasing engagement across industrial value chains. Quantitative monitoring is central, including indicators such as primary and final energy savings, renewable energy generation, greenhouse gas emission reductions, and investments mobilised in sustainable energy solutions.
The scope of the initiative is divided into two complementary approaches. The first scope focuses on structured collaboration between industrial sectors and technology providers to optimise and standardise clean energy technologies such as renewable integration, waste heat recovery, heat electrification, energy storage, and energy-efficient systems. This approach aims to move away from bespoke solutions towards scalable, market-ready models supported by co-designed tools, business models, and governance structures involving both industry users and technology suppliers.
The second scope focuses on strengthening energy cooperation among industries located in geographical proximity, including industrial clusters and ports. It promotes shared energy systems, such as renewable generation, storage, waste heat recovery, and flexible energy demand management. It also encourages voluntary coordination with system operators to improve infrastructure planning and energy efficiency. This scope further supports the development of investment pipelines and structured plans endorsed by stakeholders, enabling long-term decarbonisation and electrification of industrial energy use.
Overall, the initiative is designed to enhance industrial competitiveness while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening energy resilience, and fostering scalable clean energy solutions through collaboration, investment mobilisation, and knowledge sharing across Europe.
For more information, visit EC.
