INEA implementing the Innovation Fund

As of 15 June 2020, INEA will be managing the Innovation Fund (IF).

The Innovation Fund, which is the successor of the NER 300 programme, is one of the world's largest funding programmes for demonstration of innovative low-carbon technologies with the objective of supporting innovative low-carbon technologies in energy intensive industries, innovative renewables, energy storage and carbon capture, use and storage, in taking off and reaching the market.

It is a key funding instrument for delivering the EU's economy-wide commitments under the Paris Agreement and its objective to be climate neutral Europe by 2050.

The Innovation Fund will focus on highly innovative technologies and big flagship projects with European added value, which can bring significant emission reductions and boost competitiveness by empowering EU companies with a first-mover advantage to become global technology leaders.

The first call for proposals is planned for this summer, followed by regular calls until 2030. Experts interested in playing a key part in a major brand new EU instrument for decarbonising Europe's industry and in helping reach the EU Green Deal, are invited to register via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal expert database and to send a copy of their CV to CINEA-innovationfund-callsec [dot] europa [dot] eu (CINEA-innovationfund-calls[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu).

Mauro Petriccione, Director General, European Commission, DG 'Climate Action' (CLIMA) underlined, "The Commission has proposed that at least 25% of the EU budget will be spent on climate in the next multiannual financial framework. A major share of this will be spent through CEF, Horizon Europe and LIFE. In the future, INEA will become the climate and infrastructure agency and manage (parts of) these programmes. In addition, we bring the Innovation Fund with at least EUR 10 billion from the revenues of the EU Emissions Trading System. I very much look forward to a strong partnership and to realize the synergies between the different programmes."

Dirk Beckers, INEA Director said, "I am delighted that our Agency will manage the Innovation Fund. INEA will play an increasingly crucial role in supporting the climate priorities that are very high on the European Commission's agenda. We have a proven track record in implementing funding programmes, as well as expertise in renewable energy sources, energy storage and carbon capture utilization and storage. This will help us provide EU support to innovative climate projects that contribute to delivering the European Green Deal."

This initial expansion will see the new Agency play an increasingly pivotal role in spearheading efforts towards achieving Europe's climate commitments.