Welcome to the bi-weekly #CleanTechEU thread! We are right in the middle of the European Parliament hearings for the next college of EU Commissioners - with the 27 hopefuls each taking their turns to step into the ring 🥊
What have we learned so far? 👇
With an air of crisis surrounding the EU’s 🚗 industry, Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas was the one to watch for #cleantech on day 1. He struck a strong note, defending the 2035 target, pitching a Sustainable Transport Investment Plan and even a Sustainable Fuels Bank.
On day 2, our eyes were on Zaharieva (R&I) and Dan Jørgensen (⚡️ & 🏘️). Zaharieva wants to see 🇪🇺 double down on innovation in strategic industries, make more use of guarantees in R&I, and set up a Start-Up Forum - but was light on #cleantech details.
Jørgensen was the one to watch, with a wide ranging portfolio. He also went big on investment - with a Clean Energy Investment Plan, a housing investment platform with the EIB, more use of de-risking - all while wading into the controversial nuclear debate.
Today, day 3, attention has been turned towards Maria Luís Albuquerque (🏦) - to better understand how a Savings and Investments Union can finance Europe’s strategic industries and catch up to US and Chinese competition.
However, like any good fight card, the #cleantech heavyweights are saved for last. The future of the Clean Industrial Deal, EU climate action and the all-important budget 💶 are still up for debate. Tomorrow, Day 4, sees Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra step into the ring. Expect him to be challenged on the EU's plans for the 2040 target, the establishment of a Single Market for CO2, and an EU Climate Adaptation Plan.
The final day, on Nov 12, will see some of the most consequential questions asked to our contenders. Teresa Ribera, EVP for a clean, just, and competitive transition, will be quizzed on reforming the bloc’s competition rules to unlock a new wave of private green investment.
While at I4CE - Institut de l'économie pour le climat / Institute for Climate Economics - our attention will be focused on Stéphane Séjourné (and not only because he is from France!). The EVP for Industrial Strategy is in the driving seat for the all-important Clean Industrial Deal. Are his plans enough to make a real success of this new policy package, for the long-term competitiveness and decarbonisation? https://lnkd.in/eZK7aYPu
As we head into the final rounds, only time will tell if this new college has what it takes to get the EU back into the cleantech race!
And with that, we wrap up the #CleanTechEU thread! Thank you for reading. Be sure to follow ECOS who is authoring the next edition in 2 weeks.
