The EU’s research & innovation programme can power a cleantech revolution

19 December 2024 - Op-ed - By : Ciarán HUMPHREYS

Translating innovation into world-leading industries is critical, and FP10, the EU’s next flagship R&D funding programme after Horizon Europe concludes, offers a chance to bridge this gap.

The Green Deal era saw Europe embrace ‘Cleantech 2.0’, with record investments and new projects. Yet 2024 has brought a reckoning. Slowing demand in sectors like heat pumps and electric cars, Chinese industrial overcapacity, and attractive subsidies in the US and Canada have left European cleantech struggling to compete.

Closures, layoffs, and stalled projects – including the high-profile collapse of Swedish battery maker Northvolt – have shaken the sector. The EU’s Net Zero Industry Act and the upcoming Clean Industrial Deal aim to support cleantech manufacturing, but catching up isn’t enough.

To lead globally, the EU must focus on the next wave, including new battery chemistries and next-gen renewables – ‘Cleantech 3.0.’

Read the article in Euractiv

Read the full article

I4CE Contacts

Ciarán HUMPHREYS

Research Fellow – Cleantech, Financial instruments for climate innovation Email

To learn more

03/06/2026 Foreword of the week
Stay the course: why a stronger ETS is the key to industrial competitiveness

Since 2005, the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) has been a cornerstone of Europe’s climate policy. With the price per tonne of CO2 now beginning to stabilise at between €60 and €80, and the gradual reduction in free allowances, 2026’s review of the system should be an opportunity to reflect on and upgrade its performance as the EU continues towards climate neutrality.
03/03/2026 Blog post Op-ed
To strengthen European industry, let’s strengthen the ETS

Several voices are now being heard in Europe, coming from Member States – including that of Chancellor Merz – and from industry, calling for the rules of the CO2 quota system to be weakened. For Benoît LEGUET and Jean PISANI-FERRY, this would be a mistake for Europe. And for France. On the contrary, we must strengthen this unique public policy in order to develop our industry.
02/24/2026 Op-ed
EU Member States set 2040 climate target – but is the Union on track for 2030 in the energy sector?

An outlook on EU investment needs for the energy transition and the EU’s 2040 climate target. Just before the start of COP30 in Belém, EU Member States agreed to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by 90% in 2040 compared to 1990 levels, including a 5% flexibility through international carbon credits.

The EU’s research & innovation programme can power a cleantech revolution

Ciarán HUMPHREYS

Stay the course: why a stronger ETS is the key to industrial competitiveness

To strengthen European industry, let’s strengthen the ETS

EU Member States set 2040 climate target – but is the Union on track for 2030 in the energy sector?