EU-funded researchers have discovered new families of proteins and enzymes that will enable the development of novel plant-based biomaterials, potentially providing viable sustainable and renewable alternatives to plastics and other fossil-fuel-derived materials and chemicals.
Deserts and other sun-drenched regions are the ideal location for concentrated solar power plants, but where sunlight is abundant water tends to be scarce. EU-funded researchers are solving this conundrum by developing technologies to comprehensively reduce water consumption, enabling CSP plants to play an even bigger role in addressing the world’s energy and climate change challenges.
An EU-funded project is developing smart luminaires that are customised, have longer lifespans, and can improve our moods and productivity. This could make us healthier and boost the competitiveness and eco-friendliness of Europe's lighting industry.
Analysis by EU-funded researchers studying the cycle of nutrients in farms across Europe will help reduce pollution, improve energy efficiency and make the agricultural sector more sustainable and innovative.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has agreed in principle to provide EUR 350 million in financing to support Northvolt's development of Europe's first lithium-ion battery cell gigafactory. The factory in Sweden will help reduce the EU's dependence on oil and imported batteries.
EU-funded researchers planted, harvested, processed and analysed the life cycle of woody crops to establish how efficient and environmentally friendly they are as a source of fuel for electricity and heat.
An EU-funded project has developed nine innovative products to help integrate homes and businesses into a smart European electricity grid. The aim is to make green energy smarter, easier and cheaper to use at home and work - good for the pocket, the planet and Europe's energy security.
The future of driverless cars depends on whether the industry can create reliable systems that make drivers feel safe. That is why an EU-funded project has been applying a human-centric approach to develop software that will reassure people using automated vehicles.
Promoting a better understanding of the bioeconomy and its impacts could pave the way to a more sustainable society. An EU-funded project engaged the public and various stakeholder groups in dialogue to raise awareness about its future potential.
An EU-funded project is developing a new generation of solar panels that can be part of traditional house elements like roofs, windows and glass facades. The innovative solar panels can be integrated so well in a building that they are not even visible. This will encourage the take-up of solar energy by European consumers and give the European construction industry a competitive advantage.
