The European Commission announced six wind energy projects among the recipients in its latest EU Innovation Fund call, marking the Fund's first major focus on clean power manufacturing.
These projects, selected as part of a €4.8 billion package awarded to 85 net-zero initiatives, aim to advance Europe's clean tech manufacturing capabilities and are expected to play a significant role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Over their first decade, these projects are anticipated to cut approximately 476 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions.
WindEurope CEO Giles Dickson praised the shift in the Innovation Fund's focus, noting that this targeted support for clean tech manufacturing will enhance the EU's technological leadership and support climate goals.
The six winning wind energy projects will expand Europe's manufacturing capacity for next-generation wind technology, with at least four dedicated to offshore wind. The initiatives, located in Denmark, Germany, Poland, and Spain, will focus on manufacturing innovations, including advanced power trains, XXL towers for offshore farms, new rotor designs, and small- to medium-sized systems.
The EU Innovation Fund, among the largest programs globally for low-carbon technology innovation, draws on revenues from the EU Emissions Trading System. Over its 2020-2030 funding period, the Innovation Fund is projected to distribute approximately €40 billion, supporting large-scale projects that bring high European added value in emissions reduction and climate action. The grant agreements for the current round of projects are expected to be signed by the first quarter of 2025.
