The European Innovation Fund (IF) has selected 77 projects across 23 European Economic Area nations for a combined €3,4 miljardu eiro in funding to deploy low-carbon and zero-emission technologies.
Two of these successful applicants are based in Latvia, advancing the country’s industrial decarbonization efforts.
- Cement Decarbonization: A Ventspils-based plant will produce supersulfated cement (SSC), projected to cut CO₂ emissions by over 90% compared to traditional production.
- Green Hydrogen: A new electrolysis facility will convert wind and solar energy into green hydrogen for industrial and transport applications.
- Funding Context: These projects are part of a broader €3,4 miljardu eiro allocation, though high demand left 84 other qualified applicants without funding in this round.
The Ventspils facility aims to produce up to 500 tūkst. tonnu of supersulfated cement annually. According to the Ministry of Climate and Energy, this specialized cement offers superior durability compared to standard alternatives. The project is expected to eliminate over 3,1 miljonu tonnu of CO₂ equivalent emissions within its first decade of operation.
This initiative aligns with the broader goal of strengthening European industrial competitiveness. By shifting to sustainable building materials, the project serves as a test case for high-emission sectors looking to lower their carbon footprint without sacrificing structural integrity.
The second Latvian project focuses on the integration of renewable energy sources into the hydrogen supply chain. By utilizing wind and solar power to drive electrolysis, the facility will supply green hydrogen to the transport and manufacturing sectors. This transition is intended to provide a viable path for energy-intensive industries to move away from fossil fuel dependence.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Applications Evaluated | 358 |
| Selected Projects | 77 |
| Qualified but Unfunded Projects | 84 |
| Total Funding Allocated (EEZ) | €3,4 miljardu eiro |
Before any capital deployment begins, project applicants must finalize technical conditions and sign grant agreements with the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). The high volume of rejected but qualified applications highlights the intensity of the competition for EU climate grants.
The European Commission intends to open the next round of funding in early December 2026. For local firms, the Ministry of Climate and Energy plans to host an information session in early 2027 to assist companies in refining their proposals for upcoming calls.
Latvia’s participation in the Innovation Fund is not entirely new. In 2023, the local company Aerones secured a 4,4 miljonu eiro grant to scale the production of robotic systems for wind turbine blade repairs. The fund, which draws its capital from the EU Emissions Trading System, has supported approximately 320 projects with nearly 17 miljardu eiro in total funding since its inception, as detailed in the official European Commission announcement.
The current 77 selected projects are collectively expected to prevent approximately 290 milj. tonnu of CO₂ equivalent emissions over the next 10 years. Applicants who missed out on this cycle are encouraged to improve project readiness for the next round, as noted in the project summary documentation.
