EC opens €5.2bn Innovation Fund calls for net zero technologies and hydrogen

The European Commission has launched three funding calls under the Innovation Fund with €5.2bn from EU Emissions Trading System revenues. The focus is on net-zero technologies, low-carbon hydrogen, and industrial process heat. The aim is to support the EU’s 2030 targets and its 2050 neutrality goal.

The net zero technologies call provides €2.9bn for projects that cut emissions and expand manufacturing of renewables, energy storage, heat pumps, hydrogen systems, and electric vehicle batteries.

The European Hydrogen Bank will run its third auction with €1.3bn for renewable and low-carbon electrolytic hydrogen. Selected projects will receive a fixed premium for up to ten years after certified production.

The IF25 Heat Auction will pilot the Industrial Decarbonisation Bank with €1bn. It targets electrified and renewable heat systems that represent most industrial emissions. Support will go to cost-effective abatement through heat pumps, electric boilers, induction and resistance heating, solar thermal, geothermal, and hybrid systems. Premiums will be paid for up to five years based on verified decarbonised heat output.

Executive vice president Teresa Ribera said the package strengthens Europe’s path to net zero and prepares the ground for €100bn in future industrial decarbonisation investment.

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