Innovation Fund

European funding programme for the demonstration of innovative low carbon technologies

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Realise a reduction in CO2 emissions

Innovation Fund

The Innovation Fund is one of the world’s largest funding programmes for the demonstration of innovative low-carbon technologies. The EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) is providing the revenues for the Fund by auctioning emission allowances. The Innovation Fund finances breakthrough technologies for renewable energy, energy-intensive industries, energy storage, and the capture, use and storage of carbon. This fund gives impetus to the green recovery by creating local future-proof jobs, paving the way for climate neutrality and strengthening European technological leadership worldwide.

In short

Innovation Fund overview

For whom?

Enterprises

Consortia

When to apply?

The third submission round for "small-scale" projects runs from 30 March to 19 September 2023 (17:00 CET).

The third round for "large-scale" projects ran from 3 November 2022 to 16 March 2023 (a new, fourth round is in progress).

How much?

The total budget for 2020-2030 is estimated at 38 billion euros. A grant will cover up to 60% of the project costs.

For what?

Eligible for funding are projects that involve very innovative technologies as well as big flagship projects:

  • demonstration projects: projects that focus on bringing new, promising, innovative technologies to the market

  • advanced R&D projects: projects that are close to the commercialisation phase (pilots).

Overview of

Innovation Fund themes

  • Innovative low-carbon technologies and processes in energy-intensive industries, including products substituting carbon-intensive ones
  • Innovative renewable energy generation
  • Energy storage
  • Carbon capture and storage (CCS)
  • Carbon capture and utilisation (CCU)
plant growing from soil

Large-scale and Small-scale projects

Types of projects

The Innovation Fund supports two types of projects: small-scale and large-scale. Small-scale projects are projects with total capital costs between 2.5 and 7.5 million euros. Large-scale projects are those with a capital expenditure above 7.5 million euros.
Eligible for funding are projects that involve very innovative technologies as well as big flagship projects:

  • demonstration projects: projects that focus on bringing new, promising, innovative technologies to the market
  • advanced R&D projects: projects that are close to the commercialisation phase (pilots).

The fund does not support:

  • projects that are still in the research phase or projects that involve advanced technologies that already entered the market: these are not eligible for the Innovation Fund
  • projects that are too advanced: projects that are already rolling out an innovation on a large scale. There are sometimes still opportunities for scale-ups.

 

Meet the requirements

Innovation Fund conditions

To apply for the Innovation Fund, your project must meet the following criteria:

Your project is highly effective in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Your project is highly innovative.

Your project has reached a certain level of maturity.

Your innovation/project offers opportunities for wider application.

Your project is cost effective.

Grant application process

Apply for the Innovation Fund

Would you like to submit an Innovation Fund application? The call for ‘small-scale’ projects runs from 30 March 2023 to 19 September 2023 (15:00 CET). The round for ‘large-scale’ projects closed on 15 March 2023 (a new round is in progress).

Applying for the Innovation Fund involves quite some effort and specific expertise. Having a real shot in this competitive programme requires you to develop a high-quality proposal that includes at least the following items:

  • GHG emissions avoidance calculation
  • Relevant cost calculation
  • (Technical) Feasibility Study
  • Project Implementation Plan
  • Knowledge Sharing Plan

why this grant?

Purpose of the Innovation Fund

This fund focuses on innovations that contribute to making Europe climate neutral. The Innovation Fund aims to drive innovative, breakthrough low-carbon technologies.

As an Innovation Consultant and Business Developer, I am constantly working on identifying opportunities, setting up initiatives, and shaping projects. My goal is to accelerate sustainable innovations and investments of clients.”

Contact Roy Neijland →

How can EGEN support you?

EGEN’s consultants can support you in performing the required calculations, structuring, and writing convincing documents, and managing the application process. Furthermore, they can assist you in strategically scoping and positioning your project in accordance with relevant market trends and EU policy objectives.

EGEN is part of PNO Group and has experts in the domains of environment, energy and mobility who have the mission to accelerate sustainable innovation. Did you know that PNO Group accounts for 7 of the 17 large-scale Innovation Fund applications that were recently approved by the EU?

Keep up to date

News

Four tips for a successful LIFE application

Four tips for a successful LIFE application

LIFE is the main European funding programme to stimulate innovation that benefits the environment and the climate. The LIFE 2023 call has been published with the deadline for ‘traditional’ Standard Action Projects (SAPs) on 6 September. With 300 million euros - almost...

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Planning to apply for a LIFE grant? Start on time!

Planning to apply for a LIFE grant? Start on time!

Are you working on projects that benefit the climate and the environment and contribute to the ambitious European goals in this area? If so, you may be eligible for funding from the European LIFE programme. The upcoming call for ‘traditional’ Standard Action Projects...

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Horizon Europe deadlines coming up soon: fast action needed

Horizon Europe deadlines coming up soon: fast action needed

The EGEN experts recently went through a number of Horizon Europe calls and found various interesting ones for organisations with activities in Cluster 4 and 6. These calls - in the field of circular bioeconomy, circular cities & regions and industrial (urban)...

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Contact

Want to know more about the Innovation Fund?

How can we help you? Contact us or send us a message for a swift reply.

Email
info@egen.green

Phone number
+31 (0)88 838 13 81