Targeting key value chain components for increasing the competitiveness of renewable energy technologies in Europe

Expected Outcome

The competitiveness and security of Europe`s clean energy system will in the long-run benefit from research and innovation addressing competitiveness-relevant criticalities of the underlying clean energy technology value chains.

Project results are expected to contribute to at all of the following expected outcomes:

• Strengthen European autonomy, research capacity and industrial leadership on solutions for competitiveness-related aspects of renewable energy value chains.
• Develop technical and value chain solutions addressing key aspects improving the competitiveness of renewable energy technologies.

Scope

In scope is the development of solutions, which addresses specifically critical aspects affecting the competitiveness of specific renewable energy technologies and their value chains from the source to the sink of the energy in a clear and significant way (by targeting e.g. issues such as bottle necks, game-changer technologies, primary costs). Proposals should focus on development of solutions critical for competitiveness in the European context in the long run. Issues which can be addressed include for example: Material efficiency and circularity, including repair possibilities, lifetime extension and end-of-life management, access to fully sustainable low-cost feedstock, digital and AI tools during capacity build-up and operation, technologies for sustainable and efficient horizontal and vertical value chain optimisation, optimisation of logistics and production pathways, expert knowledge and training (Other relevant issues can equally be addressed). Proposals should, where applicable also assess the benefit/cost of domestic ownership for given value chain solutions.

Activities are expected to achieve TRL 4-5 by the end of the project - see General Annex B. Activities may start at any TRL.