Under the Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA), project promoters can apply for 'net-zero strategic project’ status.
Strategic projects under the Net-Zero Industry Act are vital for enhancing the resilience, strategic autonomy, and competitiveness of the EU’s net-zero industry while aiming to scale up manufacturing of technologies essential for climate-neutrality.
Net-zero strategic projects enjoy national ‘priority status’ under the NZIA Regulation, ensuring rapid administrative treatment and faster permitting. These projects also receive additional focus in the Net-Zero Europe Platform, including through financing advice. Where applicable, urgent treatment in judicial and dispute resolution procedures, and simplified assessments for specific environmental legislation derogations are also provided.
For more information, please consult the FAQs or the NZIA Regulation, which outlines the benefits (Articles 15-16), the application and recognition process (Article 14) and the selection criteria (Article 13).
Please note that the application process for carbon, capture and storage (CCS) projects to become strategic projects launches later in the year. Currently, strategic projects covered on this website are exclusively net-zero technology manufacturing projects.
