The European Commission has announced a landmark €2.9bn funding package to support 61 pioneering net-zero technology projects across the continent.
The grants, awarded under the Innovation Fund, are designed to fast-track Europe’s transition to climate neutrality and reinforce its leadership in clean technology innovation.
This funding round follows the first call for net-zero technologies (IF24 Call) launched in December 2024. It builds on the EU’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support industries shifting towards low-carbon solutions.
The Innovation Fund draws on revenues from the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), which is projected to generate around €40bn for climate-related investments.
Commenting on the investment, Wopke Hoekstra, Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth, said: “This selection shows that Europe is turning its climate ambitions into 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 home-grown solutions, we are building energy resilience, creating quality jobs and ensuring that Europe remains competitive in the economy of tomorrow.”
A diverse portfolio driving decarbonisation
The 61 selected projects represent a broad spectrum of industrial innovation.
Spanning 19 sectors and 18 European countries, they focus on energy-intensive industries, renewable energy generation, energy storage, clean mobility, green buildings, cleantech manufacturing, and industrial carbon management.
Collectively, these projects are expected to cut 221 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent during their first decade of operation – the same as removing nearly 10 million cars from Europe’s roads each year.
This tangible reduction will play a crucial role in helping the EU meet its 2050 climate neutrality target.
Fierce competition highlights Europe’s green ambition
Interest in the IF24 Call was overwhelming. The Commission received 359 applications seeking €21.7bn in total funding – more than nine times the available budget.
This strong response highlights both the maturity of Europe’s net-zero technology sector and the private sector’s commitment to achieving the goals set out in the Clean Industrial Deal.
Following a rigorous evaluation by independent experts, projects were selected based on their potential for emissions reduction, level of innovation, scalability, cost efficiency, and technical readiness.
With these new additions, the Innovation Fund’s portfolio now exceeds 270 projects, representing €15.6bn in total commitments since its inception.
Future calls on the horizon
The 61 successful applicants have been invited to begin the grant agreement preparation phase with the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA).
This stage will finalise contracts, technical deliverables, and funding schedules, with agreements expected to be confirmed in the first half of 2026.
Looking ahead, the Commission plans to launch the next Innovation Fund calls in December 2025, signalling continued investment in cutting-edge solutions that can propel Europe toward a sustainable, competitive, and climate-neutral economy.
