The call for small-scale projects is open until 31 August. As a reminder, the budgetary envelope being allocated (EUR 100 million) would finance at least 22 projects (in case each project requests the maximum grant amount possible). Potential applicants can assess through a self-check questionnaire if their project fits the objectives of the fund. Under the REPowerEU Plan, the Commission will double the funding for the next Innovation Fund large-scale call to ~ EUR 3 billion.
On 28 June, the International Renewable Energy Agency IRENA hosted a webinar on Sustainable Bioenergy for the Energy Transition. The event consisted of two panels on bioenergy upscaling and sustainability, featuring Bioenergy Europe, the World Bioenergy Association WBA and the European Commission, among other speakers. For more information, please reach out to Irene di Padua.
The Council finalised its general approach on the Renewable Energy Directive (REDIII) and the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED). Once the Parliament adopts its position in the Plenary (foreseen to take place after summer), discussions will move forward to the Trialogues where agreement on the final legislative text will be reached. For more information, please reach out to Irene di Padua.
The Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) will likely vote on the REDIII proposal on 13 July. The draft shows several improvements, but we are still concerned by the ENVI proposal on primary woody biomass, for which ITRE should take action, considering the overreach of Art.2. To support your bilateral exchanges with policymakers, the Secretariat has prepared a position paper on primary woody biomass. For more information, please reach out to Irene di Padua.
