Clean Technology (CleanTech) is a critical sector dedicated to transforming various industries, including energy, transportation, and waste management, through advanced technological innovations. This encompasses the development and application of techniques such as renewable energy solutions, energy efficiency technologies, sustainable transportation systems, and advanced waste management practices. CleanTech is paving the way for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future in the EU by addressing critical environmental challenges and driving economic growth through cutting-edge, eco-friendly solutions.
The increasing relevance of CleanTech is part of a shift towards sustainability across various sectors. Recent global challenges such as the escalating impacts of climate change, pollution, and resource depletion have shown that traditional approaches have struggled to keep pace. This has led to a push in CleanTech advancements, such as in the fields of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable transportation. CleanTech is also crucial to the EU’s ambitions to become a net-zero union by 2050, driven by the European Green Deal. This comprehensive plan supports developments in solar and wind energy, electric vehicles, and smart grid technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote economic growth through sustainable innovations.
CleanTech has seen remarkable growth in recent history, particularly over the past two decades. This period has been marked by significant advancements in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable transportation. During this time, the sector has attracted billions of euros in funding, largely from venture capital and EU funding programmes. In 2023, European CleanTech startups raised €9.1 billion during the first nine months alone, despite a general downturn in venture capital funding across other sectors, according to PitchBook.
Climate change and geopolitical events, such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine, have highlighted significant gaps in energy production and sustainability. These crises have driven advancements in CleanTech to address these challenges. Renewable energy technologies, like solar and wind power, have become crucial for reducing reliance on fossil fuels, especially given the volatility in the global energy market caused by geopolitical tensions. Innovations in energy storage, water recycling, and waste-to-energy processes have also enhanced resource efficiency. The shift towards electric vehicles and improved public transit systems has further contributed to cleaner urban environments. These advancements support the EU’s sustainability goals, with substantial investments propelling continued innovation and market growth.
The EU offers several key funding programmes relevant to the CleanTech sector, such as Horizon Europe’s Cluster 5 (Climate, Energy, and Mobility), aimed at fostering innovation and supporting sustainability. Furthermore, a third of the €1.8 trillion investments from the NextGenerationEU Recovery Plan and the EU’s seven-year budget will finance the European Green Deal initiatives, focusing on climate and environmental projects.
With regard to Greentech projects, AcrossLimits is involved in GREENPORT, an Alliances for Education and Enterprises project which aims to address the unregulated emissions in the port services sector and the lack of immediate technological solutions for mitigating these emissions in the short to medium term.
How can we help?
If you have a project idea for which you’d like to make use of funding available to bring it to life, then be sure to get in touch. With over 23 years of experience in funding procurement and participation in over 80 successful EU projects to date, AcrossLimits has a dedicated and experienced team that can help you draft proposals and apply to EU funding opportunities. With our expansive network spanning both the private and public sector as well as academia, we’re in pole position to cater to your needs.
To learn more about how we can help you make your project idea a reality, contact us at: [email protected].
