The European Commission has announced €2.9 billion in funding for 61 cutting-edge net-zero technology projects.
The grants, sourced from the Innovation Fund using revenues from the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), follow the first call for net-zero technologies (IF24 Call) launched in December 2024. This initiative aims to strengthen Europe’s technological leadership and accelerate the deployment of innovative decarbonization solutions.
The 61 selected projects span 19 industrial sectors and 18 countries, with a focus on energy-intensive industries, renewable energy, energy storage, cleantech manufacturing, and industrial carbon management. Collectively, these projects are expected to cut approximately 221 million tons of CO₂ equivalent over their first decade of operation, supporting the EU’s 2050 climate neutrality objective.
Climate ambition meets industrial reality:
The funding call attracted an overwhelming response, with 359 applications requesting €21.7 billion in support—over nine times the available budget. The response confirms the maturity of Europe’s net-zero technology sector and its alignment with the Clean Industrial Deal.
Wopke Hoekstra, Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero, and Clean Growth, highlighted the strategic importance of the investment. “Today’s selection shows that Europe is turning its climate ambitions into an industrial reality. The response to this call demonstrates the strength of our innovators and the determination of our companies to lead the global race for net-zero technologies. By investing in homegrown solutions, we are building energy resilience, creating quality jobs, and ensuring that Europe remains competitive in the economy of tomorrow.”
Next steps:
Developers of the successful projects have been invited to begin the grant agreement preparation phase with the European Climate, Infrastructure, and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). The final funding contracts are anticipated to be confirmed in the first half of 2026.
The recent announcement brings the Innovation Fund’s total committed portfolio to over 270 projects with €15.6 billion allocated. The Commission is preparing to launch the next Innovation Fund calls in early December 2025.
