The European Commission launched two distinct calls for proposals under the Innovation Fund on 3 December 2024, earmarking substantial funding for key areas critical to the green transition. These new calls aim to accelerate the deployment of cutting-edge technologies and support strategic manufacturing capabilities within the European Union.
Overview of the Innovation Fund 2024 Calls
The two calls represent a significant investment in sustainable solutions, with a combined total of €3.4 billion made available to support innovative projects. These funds are strategically allocated to address the overarching goals of climate neutrality and technological independence.
Here's a breakdown of the two calls:
| Call Name | Primary Focus | Available Funding |
|---|---|---|
| IF24 Call | Net-Zero Technologies | €2.4 billion |
| IF24 Battery | Electric Vehicle Battery Cell Manufacturing | €1 billion |
Deep Dive into the Specific Calls
1. IF24 Call for Net-Zero Technologies
The IF24 Call is the larger of the two, offering €2.4 billion to projects focused on a broad spectrum of Net-Zero technologies. This funding aims to support innovative solutions that significantly contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions across various sectors.
- Objective: To help bring to market highly innovative projects that demonstrate significant potential for emissions reduction, supporting the EU's climate targets.
- Scope: Projects typically cover areas such as:
- Renewable energy generation
- Energy storage solutions
- Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS)
- Energy-intensive industries decarbonization
- Innovative low-carbon technologies across various sectors
This call is designed to be flexible, encouraging a wide range of innovative proposals that can push the boundaries of current climate technology and contribute to a more sustainable economy.
2. IF24 Battery Call for Electric Vehicle Battery Cell Manufacturing
The IF24 Battery call is a targeted initiative with €1 billion dedicated specifically to electric vehicle (EV) battery cell manufacturing. This focus underscores the strategic importance of developing a robust and competitive European battery value chain.
- Objective: To bolster domestic production capacity for battery cells, a critical component for the rapidly growing EV market and a cornerstone of the EU's industrial strategy.
- Scope: Projects must be directly related to the manufacturing of battery cells for electric vehicles. This includes:
- Establishing new gigafactories for battery cell production.
- Expanding existing manufacturing facilities.
- Developing innovative processes or materials for more efficient and sustainable battery cell production.
This call addresses a key strategic vulnerability, aiming to reduce reliance on external supply chains for essential components of the green transition and foster job creation within the EU.
These calls are a testament to the European Union's commitment to fostering innovation and investment in technologies that are vital for achieving climate neutrality and strengthening the EU's industrial base. For more comprehensive information on the Innovation Fund and its broader objectives, you can visit the official European Commission's Innovation Fund page.
