EIC Board calls for faster deployment of deep tech to strengthen Europe’s energy resilience

Europe’s energy advantage will come from scaling its own innovations. In a new statement, the EIC Board calls for accelerating the deployment of European deep tech solutions across the energy system – from clean energy generation and storage to grids, advanced materials and other enabling technologies. 

Recent geopolitical shocks have highlighted a strategic reality: energy security cannot be imported. With more than half of the EU’s energy consumption still coming from imported fossil fuels, Europe’s economic resilience, industrial competitiveness and strategic autonomy remain exposed to decisions taken beyond its borders. 

But the current energy challenge also presents an opportunity. History shows that periods of disruption can accelerate innovation and create the conditions for new industrial capabilities to emerge. 

Europe already has a strong foundation to build on. Across the EIC portfolio, nearly 100 companies are developing technologies across 12 areas of the energy value chain, including energy generation, storage, hydrogen, renewable fuels, electricity transmission, advanced materials and supply chain resilience. 

The EIC Board highlights that Europe’s next challenge is ensuring that promising technologies can move from breakthrough innovation to industrial deployment and market adoption. In its statement, the Board calls for stronger conditions for companies to grow, including continuity of funding across the innovation journey, simplified regulatory frameworks, faster permitting, stronger industrial demand and closer collaboration between innovators, investors, industry and policymakers. 

The statement reflects the collective perspective of the EIC Board, which brings together 20 independent experts from across Europe’s innovation ecosystem, alongside the EIC Board President. 

Read the full EIC Board Statement and explore the mapping of EIC-backed energy companies developing solutions for Europe’s future energy system.