Clean and Just Energy Transition: New EU Study Provides Tools for Assessing Emerging Energy Technologies

The European Union is steadily advancing toward climate neutrality by 2050. As the share of clean energy sources in the energy mix increases, so does the importance of innovative technologies—many of which are still in the research and development phase. A new study funded under Horizon Europe now provides concrete methodological tools to assess these technologies at an early and systematic stage.

Research and Innovation as Key Drivers of the Energy Transition

A significant share of the greenhouse gas reductions expected by 2050 will rely on technologies that are not yet market-ready. Research and innovation (R&I) therefore play a central role in strengthening sustainability, circularity, resilience, and the EU’s technological autonomy, while ensuring a secure and competitive energy supply.

The profound transformation of Europe’s energy system brings new challenges, including:

• Sustainable use of critical raw materials
• Resilient supply chains
• Environmental and social impacts of emerging technologies
• Strengthening European value chains

The study addresses these aspects through a flexible assessment framework that takes different Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) into account and supports innovations along their pathway from laboratory to market.

Methodological Framework and Sector-Specific Guidelines

The study provides:

• A comprehensive overview of existing assessment methodologies
• Results from EU-level stakeholder consultations
• Practical, validated assessment approaches developed in collaboration with ongoing Horizon Europe projects
• A flexible methodological framework adaptable to different TRLs

In addition, it includes five sector-specific guidance documents covering:

• Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS)
• Energy infrastructure
• Energy storage
• Renewable and low-carbon fuels
• Renewable energy technologies

Strategic Alignment with EU Policies

The study is aligned with key European initiatives and legislative acts, including:

• European Climate Law
• Renewable Energy Directive
• Clean Industrial Deal
• Critical Raw Materials Act
• Proposed Circular Economy Act
• Net-Zero Industry Act
• Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET Plan)

It thereby strengthens the scientific foundation for a sustainable, resilient, and technologically sovereign European energy system.

Support for EU Funding Applications

For stakeholders from research, academia, industry, and public institutions, the new assessment framework offers additional strategic arguments for funding applications—particularly within Horizon Europe, SET Plan initiatives, and innovation-driven energy calls.

We are happy to support you in strategically positioning your project ideas, identifying suitable funding opportunities, and preparing EU-level proposals.

Dr. Thomas Ammerl
Head of Unit Environment, Energy & Bioeconomy
Phone: +49 89 9901888-120
Email: ammerl@no-spam-pleasebayfor.org