EU's €40B Innovation Fund opens 2025 calls for CO2-reducing tech
Massive EU grant program accepting applications for Net Zero, Batteries, Heat, and Hydrogen.
Deep Dive
The EU Innovation Fund, Europe’s largest grant for CO₂-reducing low-carbon tech, has a €40B budget from 2020-2030. It supports innovative organisations in industry and energy sectors. 2025 calls include Net Zero Technologies (open Dec 4, 2025 to April 23, 2026), Batteries, a €1B Pilot Heat Auction (open Dec 3, 2025 to Feb 2026), and a renewable hydrogen auction that opened Dec 3, 2025 to Feb 2026 — but the €1.2B figure was for the 2024 auction. Hezelburcht offers support in applying, but does not manage the fund.
Key Points
- Total budget of €40 billion (2020-2030) across multiple annual calls and auctions.
- 2025 calls: Net Zero Technologies (deadline Apr 2026), Batteries, €1B Pilot Heat Auction, €1.2B hydrogen auction (both close Feb 2026).
- Projects must demonstrate ≥75% emission avoidance vs. EU ETS benchmarks to receive full grant.
Why It Matters
European industry and energy firms can access billions in grants now for decarbonisation, hydrogen, and manufacturing innovation.