Otto Simon’s Post

Innovation Fundin IF24Battery-akkuhaku julkistettiin tänään: "Today, in the first week of its new mandate, the Commission is stepping up its efforts to boost net-zero technologies that are key to ensure the competitiveness of European industry while meeting agreed climate goals. It is launching two new calls for proposals with a budget of €3.4 billion to accelerate the deployment of innovative decarbonisation technologies in Europe, including electric vehicles batteries. For the first time, a €1 billion call for electric vehicle battery cell manufacturing (IF24 Battery) will support projects that can produce innovative electric vehicles battery cells or deploy innovative manufacturing techniques, processes and technologies. Today's call is only one measure in a broader approach to mobilise investment in an area that is essential for Europe's success in the clean energy transition and its competitiveness. It supports companies in targeting investments in Europe with new technologies where advances are still being made. Multiple instruments are needed to overcome some of the economic barriers that the battery value chain in Europe, including its gigafactories, is currently facing. The Commission will continue to deploy instruments at hand and engage in new avenues, including in the short term, for addressing barriers to large-scale industrial scale up." #akkuteollisuus #InnovationFund #IF24Battery #EU #rahoituspaketti https://lnkd.in/ejS7z2M9

“RED TAPE” 🎯 Or better… “cutting the red tape” is a key theme around the world. Regulation is n.1 enemy around the world and this applies well to #energy and clean transition too. Because the key question fuelling the debate is to striking a balance between the necessary guidance that governments have to do and unleashing the potential coming from the dynamism of #business and private sector. In presenting the new Competitiveness Compass two days ago the President of European Commission said “ We have to cut red tape. We will deliver an unprecedented simplification effort. We will start with a first simplification omnibus proposal next month. This includes a far-reaching simplification in the fields of sustainable finance reporting, sustainability due diligence and taxonomy” For the clean energy transition the balance is sometimes particularly challenging: the reasons are multiple but fundamentally turning upside down the global energy system is a gigantic infrastructural operation. And deploying things takes time and it is an easy source of opposition… The examples are multiple: To make a new mine for providing the market with minerals required for clean tech takes between 10 and 15 years Changing heating system towards more efficient solutions in many buildings requires years and years.. Building up new power infrastructures, including renewables, in many places is a endless process.. … and then it can take ages to connect it to the grid… if the grid is available and ready to accommodate new source of power The list can continue‼️ As a result the new mantra - in energy and in many other fields – is “de-regulation” and cutting the red tape. Provided tough, that industry makes its part too, delivering on-time, on budget and avoiding shortcuts.. The challenge is not easy.. but very much crucial!

European Parliament Think Tank (EPTT)--Briefing Powering the EU's future: Strengthening the battery industry [24 January 2025] https://lnkd.in/gq2QD53J or https://lnkd.in/gjyDQrt2 Batteries, widely used in the transport and energy sectors, are central to the global energy system. They will be key to the EU's clean energy transition, industrial future and strategic autonomy. Boosting the industrial base for battery production is therefore a key task for the EU. While the EU battery sector enjoys strong support for its research and development activities, it also faces significant challenges such as dependencies on third countries and high energy and labour costs. Developing battery recycling or implementing more sustainable value chains could help address some of these challenges. However, significant threats, such as competition from countries with lower environmental standards, may hinder progress and require strategic action. Projections around battery manufacturing in the EU remain highly uncertain. Many reports claim that the EU is on track to meet its future battery needs, yet also highlight significant risks that could prevent this from happening. Factors such as rising energy and labour costs, incentives offered by third countries, slower-than-expected market developments, or difficult access to critical raw materials, could undermine the sector's competitiveness. Mastering the complexities of battery manufacturing technologies remains another major challenge. Delays or cancellations of gigafactory projects have already been announced across Europe. The recent collapse of Northvolt, once hailed as Europe's flagship home-grown battery manufacturer, has raised serious concerns about the future of batteries 'made in Europe'. The EU has long recognised batteries as one of its strategic technological sectors. To make its battery supply chains secure, resilient and sustainable, the EU uses three approaches. First, it seeks to inject strategic impetus into the sector, using its convening power to improve cooperation among stakeholders. Second, it is working on a comprehensive regulatory framework. Third, it provides the sector with funding. The development of the battery sector provides an instructive case study for shaping an effective EU industrial policy.

Europe 🇪🇺 continues to lead the way in #cleantech innovation! The outgoing European Commission made major strides with key initiatives such as the Green Deal, the Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA), the Critical Raw Materials Act, and support for IPCEIs (Important Projects of Common European Interest). Skeleton Technologies is proud to have played an active role, providing input through consultations and engaging in the Clean Transition Dialogues.⚡   The next European Commission will keep cleantech central to its agenda. As we prepare for the Cleantech for Europe Summit next week, our VP of Government Affairs, Arnaud Castaignet outlines how the proposed Commissioners will drive forward Europe’s clean energy future: Teresa Ribera, the proposed Executive Vice-President for the clean, just, and competitive transition, will focus on the Clean Industrial Deal and directing financing through the Just Transition Fund. Stephané Séjourné as Executive Vice-President for industrial strategy, will lead on the Net Industry Act, Industrial Decarbonization, and oversee the creation of new IPCEIs for strategic sectors. Wopke Hoekstra (climate) and Dan Jørgensen (energy) will be key to advancing Fit for 55 and reducing energy prices—critical for enhancing the competitiveness of European manufacturing and enabling Skeleton’s energy storage solutions. At Skeleton Technologies, we are excited to continue working closely with the new European Commission to help shape policies that drive Europe's cleantech leadership. As the industry moves forward, we remain committed to supporting innovation, decarbonization, and sustainability in energy storage and beyond.    Learn more about the role each Commissioner will play and the impact on our industry in the full blog post here: https://lnkd.in/dgWKTWQz

Policy Pillar: Future Made in Australia ignites the nation’s hydrogen ambitions. By Charlie Currie It felt like a long-awaited moment when Australian Treasurer, Jim Chalmers, stood up in the country’s Parliament in Canberra, to announce the government’s AUD $22.7bn ($15.2bn) Future Made in Australia (FMIA) Act framework, as part of his 2024-25 budget. Offering investments into renewable energy, clean energy manufacturing, economic and workforce development, innovation and technology, and more, over the next 10 years, the package is hoped to spur domestic manufacturing while accelerating the nation on its path to Net Zero. It came after the government announced it would respond to mammoth policies such as the US’ Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the European Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA), with the Chancellor claiming the package will help make Australia an “indispensable part” of the global economy. https://lnkd.in/d8yMYRtM

A significant proportion of my conversations with prospective clients in H1 demonstrated the hope that a change in government would give more confidence in the UK economy and, by extension, funding would become more readily available for businesses looking to scale. The change has been slower than many anticipated (one look at the news will give a good indication of how many factors are at play in the global economy). Last week, the first announcement that felt positive from the new government was the pledge of £22bn in subsidies for Carbon Capture projects in the UK. A fascinating and impactful area of technology, hopefully this will enable the UK to become the driving force in innovation we want it to be in the coming years. #renewableenergy #netzero

Indeed a key milestone for Europe! Now to keep working towards the right selection and implementation of criteria that will make it a full success. #innovation #sustainability #NPC #greendeal #energytransition

Innovators from across the UK can now apply for the second round of the Manchester Prize, a funding initiative now aimed at pushing forward the use of technology to deliver new clean energy systems. #Tech | #News | #CleanEnergy

What should be agenda2035 for UK energy if to learn from Draghi in EU and Agenda2035 reports in Germany? Personal thoughts - what do you think? No need to redo much analysis of Draghi and Agenda 2035, one can recycle and reinforce ideas. Strategic Energy Recommendations for the UK, inspired by Agenda 2035. Personal views as former London City inhabitant. To secure its energy future and global competitiveness, the UK should focus on five key areas: 1️⃣Boost Energy Infrastructure Resilience: Prioritize investment in renewables, grid modernization, and hydrogen to enhance energy security. Public-private partnerships will be crucial, mirroring successful approaches seen in Europe. And we see start of this with Labour cabinet announcements. 2️⃣Lead in Clean Hydrogen: Capitalize on the UK's potential to become a hub in green (Scotland) and blue and pink hydrogen production and trade, integrating it into global supply chains and fostering innovation. 3️⃣Accelerate Electrification: Push the electrification of transport and industry by expanding EV infrastructure and developing hydrogen-powered solutions, playing both molecules and electrons, ensuring the UK stays ahead in decarbonization. Common system planning is in the making. 4️⃣Innovate in Carbon Capture: Strengthen investment in Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technologies, leveraging public-private collaboration to lead in decarbonization efforts. UK hubs and Labour initiatives are making a start. 5️⃣Mobilize Green Finance: Create a Green Investment Banking initiative, merging City of London efforts, and introduce scale to long-term financial instruments to drive funding for clean tech and energy infrastructure. Inspired by insights from EU Draghi report and Agenda 2035 in Germany, these strategies can pave the way for a sustainable and competitive future across UK and Europe😀🌍 #EnergyTransition #Sustainability #GreenFinance #Hydrogen #CCS #Innovation

🚀 Big News for the UK's Net-Zero Journey! 🚀 The UK has taken a monumental step forward with the Final Investment Decision (FID) for the East Coast Cluster CCS pipeline — a powerful signal of the nation's commitment to decarbonisation and advancing a net-zero future. This milestone represents a major leap towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy system. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gzTkTVDJ   💡 At Engineurs one of our 7 key pathways for impact is Carbon Capture, Usage & Storage (CCUS). As an engineering service provider, we see this as a transformative moment for the industry, unlocking new opportunities for infrastructure, innovation, and clean growth.   📅 Coming soon! We’re excited to share an exclusive CCUS case study, spotlighting the real-world impact of CCUS and the role of engineering excellence in driving scalable, sustainable solutions. Stay tuned next year as we reveal more about how next-gen technology is shaping the CCUS landscape.   ⚙️ We’re ready to lead from the front. From design to execution, commissioning, and operations, our team is equipped to support partners and clients on their decarbonisation journey. As momentum grows, we’re committed to making a lasting impact on the path to net zero.   💬 What do you think? How do you see the role of CCUS evolving in the coming years? Drop your thoughts in the comments - we’d love to hear from you!   #CCUS #Decarbonisation #CleanEnergy #NorthEastCluster #EngineeringExcellence #NetZero #Sustainability