What is it?
The Net-Zero Navigator is an online resource designed to guide stakeholders in navigating the landscape of funding and strategic opportunities available for Net-Zero manufacturing and decarbonisation projects.
In this context, the Net-Zero Navigator is designed as a single point of access to key information on the most important EU funding programmes as well as financial advisory opportunities. It acts as a streamlined resource to support net-zero manufacturing and decarbonisation, i.e. from testing, demonstration and industrial deployment of innovative solutions as well as scaling of existing capacities.
Structure of the Navigator
The Net-Zero Navigator is organised into four main channels or ‘parts’.
- EU Funding Programmes – Encompasses relevant programmes within the EU Multiannual Financial Framework
- Support at EU country level – Includes national funding programmes and funds available at EU country level
- Advisory – Provides expert advice and resources from key implementing partners
- Transversal Initiatives – Includes initiatives such as awards, as well as pitching and brokerage events to encourage collaboration, foster innovation and ease access to private investment
Who can use it
The Navigator provides orientation to stakeholders involved in any phase of a net-zero technology manufacturing or an energy-intensive decarbonisation project with strategic status. This includes new facilities, expansions, or repurposing of existing sites to produce net-zero technologies, as well as projects to decarbonise energy-intensive industries. ‘Net-zero technologies’ include final products, essential components, or specific machinery as defined in Article 4 of the NZIA.
Public authorities at national and regional levels, as well as research institutions, can also benefit from the Navigator, assisting project promoters in identifying and optimising various funding and strategic options to support the development and implementation of net-zero technology and energy-intensive decarbonisation projects. Through the Navigator, these institutions can enhance their understanding of available resources, foster collaboration, and effectively contribute to strengthening the competitiveness of the net-zero industry.
Steps to access further tailored advisory opportunities
Projects in these sectors may also access further financial advisory opportunities by obtaining the Net-Zero Strategic Project Status, as per Article 19 of the Regulation (EU) 2024/1735.
Introduced by the Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA), the notion of ‘Net-Zero Strategic Projects' provides the possibility for net-zero technology manufacturing projects to apply for strategic project status. Net-Zero Strategic Projects are deemed essential for reinforcing the resilience, strategic autonomy, and competitiveness of the EU’s net-zero industry. These projects will make a significant contribution to the aim of scaling up manufacturing of technologies which are key to achieving climate-neutrality and help achieve the Net-Zero Industry Act goal for net-zero manufacturing capacity to meet at least 40% of the EU’s annual deployment needs by 2030.
Stakeholders must first apply for and obtain strategic status for their projects. Once this status is achieved, project promoters are invited to complete a survey to identify which opportunities and partners can help address their financing needs.