EU Innovation Fund Awards €4.8bn to Net-Zero Projects, Including Six Wind Energy Initiatives in Europe

The EU Innovation Fund’s latest call allocates €4.8bn to 85 net-zero projects, including six wind energy initiatives in Europe. Discover how these investments boost clean power manufacturing and climate protection.

The European Commission recently unveiled the outcomes of the latest call for the EU Innovation Fund, marking a significant milestone by focusing on clean power manufacturing for the first time. Among the 85 awarded projects, six are wind energy initiatives set to drive Europe’s renewable energy sector forward. The projects will invest in new wind energy manufacturing capabilities, with at least four dedicated to offshore wind.

WindEurope Applauds Shift in Innovation Strategy

WindEurope CEO Giles Dickson praised the shift in the EU's innovation strategy, emphasizing the transition from technology-neutral research and innovation (R&I) support to the upscaling of clean tech manufacturing. “The European Commission has finally started to adapt its innovation strategy. It is moving from technology-neutral R&I support to scaling up clean tech manufacturing. That’s the way to secure technology leadership, boost climate protection and strengthen the EU’s industrial competitiveness,” said Dickson.

Key Locations and Project Details

The awarded wind energy projects will be established in Denmark, Germany, Poland, and Spain. These initiatives cover a range of developments, including:

• Manufacturing next-generation power trains for wind turbines.

• Construction of XXL towers for offshore wind farms.

• Innovations in rotor designs.

• Production of small to medium-sized wind power systems.

About the EU Innovation Fund

The EU Innovation Fund, among the world’s largest funding programs for low-carbon technology, is financed through the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) revenues. It aims to support high-impact, innovative clean technologies and projects that provide significant emission reductions and European added value. From 2020 to 2030, the Innovation Fund is set to disburse approximately €40 billion.

Recent Call and Climate Impact

The latest call awarded a total of €4.8 billion to 85 projects aimed at achieving net-zero emissions. The successful initiatives are expected to commence operations by 2030, collectively reducing CO2 emissions by an estimated 476 million tonnes over their first decade. Grant agreements for these projects will be formalized with the European Climate, Infrastructure, and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) by the first quarter of 2025.