Questionnaire on the Innovation Fund application process
We would like to gather feedback on the first stage application process of the call for large-scale projects to improve future applications and shape the next Innovation Fund calls.
If you submitted an application or have an interest in the application process of the Innovation Fund, please take this 20-minute survey and let us know your views.
The deadline to provide your answers is 30 November.
Closure of first call for large-scale project proposals & next steps
The first call for large-scale project proposals closed 29 October 2020. The next step in the first call of the Innovation Fund is the admissibility and eligibility checks of all submissions. External evaluators will evaluate proposals that fulfil the admissibility and eligibility conditions against the award criteria.
Applicants will be informed about the results of the evaluation in the first quarter of 2021. The best ranked 70 projects will be invited to submit a full application for the second stage by 23 June 2021.
Rejected proposals that have the potential to improve their maturity may be invited for the project development assistance provided by the EIB. The information on the evaluation results from the second stage will be provided in the fourth quarter of 2021. Grants will be awarded at the end of 2021.
How to apply?
The first call for large-scale projects closed on 29 October 2020. More calls will take place at a later stage in time.
You will find all information and documentation needed at the Funding & Tenders Portal, including the call text, application forms and Frequently Asked Questions.
Key elements
The first call will fund clean energy and clean industry innovative investments to contribute to the green recovery of EU economy and maintain the momentum in EU journey to climate neutrality.
Key elements of the first call for proposals for large-scale projects:
- Size: EUR 1 billion + EUR 8 million for project development assistance
- Publication: 3 July 2020
- Two stage application: First stage deadline 29 October 2020; second stage deadline 23 June 2021
- Open to large-scale projects from all eligible sectors – energy-intensive industries, including CCUS, renewable energy, energy storage, substitute products and cross-cutting projects
- Beneficiaries: single applicants (companies) or consortia
- Form of support: grant, maximum size per project of up to 60% of the additional costs linked to the innovative low-carbon technology applied.
Timing
Event | Timing |
Launch of large-scale call | 3 July 2020 at 12:00 CET |
Deadline for submission of applications to 1st stage | 29 October 2020 at 17:00 CET |
Information on evaluation results and invitation for the 2nd stage or PDA | Q1 2021 (indicative) |
Deadline for submission of applications to 2nd stage | 23 June 2021 (indicative) |
Information on 2nd stage evaluation results | Q4 2021 (indicative) |
Award of the grants | End 2021 (indicative) |

Webinars
A series of webinars are organised to explain how to apply to the Innovation Fund large-scale call. If you could not attend or would like to check them again, find the links below.
We have organised a second webinar on the application process of the first call of the Innovation Fund. The main focus on the GHG emission avoidance calculation methodologies and we at the end a dedicated time to helpdesk Q&A from applicants.
- Agenda
- Full Recording
- Recordings per session:
- Find the presentations below:
- Introduction, evaluators, next steps and events - Presentation by DG CLIMA
- Main principles of the GHG emission calculations - Presentation by DG CLIMA
- GHG emission calculations for Energy Intensive Industries – Presentation by JRC
- GHG emission calculations for CCS/RES/Energy storage – Presentation by ICF and Fraunhofer
- FAQs from the Innovation Fund helpdesk - Presentation by INEA
Recording of the training on basic Life Cycle Assessment which includes explanations of basic concepts such as: project boundary, reference and project scenarios and emissions, absolute and relative emission avoidance/saving/reduction, types of inputs (rigid, elastic, semi-elastic), etc. Please note that this training is intended to ease understanding of the GHG emissions avoidance methodology specific to the Innovation Fund, but it also refers to more general concepts on Life Cycle Assessment which might not be applicable to the Innovation Fund.
Conferences
Financiers and industry representatives are joining forces with public funds to deliver the European Green Deal and repair economic damage from the COVID-19 crisis. Conference and gathering are organised to facilitate the exchange and discuss about their support to large-scale projects.
- Registration and more information on the conference
- If you are interested in matchmaking opportunities with other participants, indicate your interest when registering.
- Videos for replay (click on the session)
Preparation
The first call for large-scale projects was prepared throughout 2019 and 2020 with the active involvement of the Innovation Fund Expert Group.