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The European Green Deal growth strategy launched

Some weeks ago, the European Green Deal growth strategy was launched by the European Commission. The European Green Deal is Europe’s plan to make the EU’s economy sustainable.

It provides an action plan to boost the efficient use of resources by moving to a clean, circular economy, restore biodiversity and cut pollution. Europe can do this by turning climate and environmental challenges into opportunities, and making the transition just and inclusive for all.

The plan outlines investments needed and financing tools available. According to the plan,
– there are no net emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050;
– economic growth is decoupled from resource use;
– no person and no place is left behind.

Connected to this plan, the European Green Deal Call was launched. It encompasses a €1 billion call for research and innovation projects in line with the strategy.

Several parts of this call are of specific interest for research and innovation with the heat area of heat pumping technologies. These are delineated below.


Area 2, Clean, affordable and secure energy

a) LC-GD-2-1-2020, regarding development of renewable energy technologies and their integration into the energy system.
“For DHC systems, the integration of sources of otherwise wasted excess heat or cold as well as the interfacing with existing heating or cooling distribution networks can be considered.”

b) LC-GD-2-3-2020, regarding partnership with Africa.
“Scope: Actions should demonstrate innovative sustainable energy solutions that consider climate adaptation and mitigation potential compared to other technologies/solutions in the African social, economic and environmental contexts. The solutions may address:

  • development of renewable energy sources, including solutions for off-grid communities, and their integration into the existing energy system, considering the generation of renewable energy, the transmission, and the use of storage/battery systems.
  • energy efficiency”


Area 3, Industry for a clean and circular economy:

LC-GD-3-2-2020, Demonstration of systemic solutions for … the circular economy.
“Proposals funded under this topic will form part of the demonstration projects for the implementation of the European Commission’s Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI) and must be carried out in close cooperation and coordination with it.


Area 4: Energy and resource efficient buildings:

LC-GD-4-1-2020, Building and renovating in an energy and resource efficient way.
“Sustainable, innovative zero-emission and more cost and energy efficient, renewable energy generation in the buildings combined with urban service facilities (e.g. charging facilities) and heating-ventilation-air conditioning (HVAC) solutions :

  • Renewable power generation and H&C systems (e.g. highly performant Photovoltaic solutions adapted to the conditions of use; BAPV where BIPV is not an option; micro-CHP);
  • HVAC solutions (e.g. reversible heat pumps with refrigerants that are not greenhouse gases, or less developed clean heating options such as hydrogen). ”

The deadline for project proposals for all the areas listed above is January 26, 2021.

Sources:
https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal_en
https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_20_1669   (includes a link to the call text)