Energy & Clean Transition Working Group
Representatives of Brussels-based offices leading the work of the Energy & Clean Transition Working Group.
Energy & Clean Transition
The Energy & Clean Transition WG is part of the Low Carbon Cluster, together with the Transport and Smart Cities WGs. The Working Group acts as a platform for ERRIN members to exchange knowledge and engage with EU energy- and climate-related policies, legislation and funding programmes. In line with the European Green Deal, the Clean Industrial Deal and the European Commission’s 2024-2029 political priorities, the WG focuses on strengthening regional and local contributions to the clean transition, with priorities including Hydrogen Valleys, renewable energy integration and flexibility, energy grids and resilience, sustainable and affordable housing, energy storage and batteries. The WG is set to explore links and synergies with other areas in which energy and clean transition play central role and cooperate with other ERRIN Working Groups, namely the SEFS, Climate Adaptation & Resilience and New European Bauhaus & Creativity Working Groups.
ERRIN Contact
Future Related ERRIN Working Group Meetings
The role of regions in Europe’s Clean Transition: focus on Net-Zero Acceleration Valleys and industrial competitiveness
On 5 May (15:00-17:30), the West Finland EU Office, with the support of ERRIN, is organising a seminar to discuss the role of regions in supporting Europe’s clean transition and strengthening
EU Energy systems and grids: state of play and territorial perspectives
In 2026, the ERRIN Energy & Clean Transition Working Group launched a dedicated workstream on European energy systems and grids, responding to the rapidly evolving EU policy framework and the
Policy WG meeting: From territories to Europe: Place-based innovation in the next MFF
The Preparatory Action on Innovation for Place-based Transformation launched last year, helps territories maximise their innovation potential through awareness raising, capacity building
Previous Related ERRIN Working Group Meetings
The EU Missions and the mission-oriented approach in the next MFF
With the Horizon Europe (FP10) and European Competitiveness Fund (ECF) proposals currently under discussion at the European Parliament and the Council, ERRIN will hold a meeting focusing on the
Skills for Competitiveness: how to address skills shortages in Europe’s regions?
Skills for competitivenessOne of the objectives of the European Competitiveness Fund is to address critical skills shortages to all kinds of quality jobs in strategic sectors, through both horizontal
Postponed: Policy WG meeting: Update on ERA Policy Agenda 2025-2027, ERA Act and link with Horizon Europe
After the formal adoption of the European Research Area (ERA) Policy Agenda 2025–2027 by the COMPET Council in May last year, ERRIN decided to follow four structural policies and one action in this
WG Related Events
Annual I3 Instrument Forum 2026 - save the date
Save the date for the Annual I3 Instrument Forum 2026, which will take place this year on 1 October in Brussels, bringing together the I3 community to showcase project results, strengthen interregional value chains and discuss the future of the Instrument within Cohesion Policy. Registrations will open in spring 2026.
ICT WG Meeting: Digitalisation in industry: The future of Manufacturing in the Regions
This session will explore the current EU policy landscape on industrial digitalisation, including key legislative initiatives and financial instruments. In addition, a central objective of the meeting is to showcase best practices from the regions by sharing concrete examples of successful digitalisation projects, strategies, and partnerships.
Save the date EU Design Day 2026
The 14th edition of the EU Design Day (EUDD) will focus on affordable housing as a key societal challenge, exploring the role of regions in shaping inclusive, sustainable and high-quality living environments through the lens of the New European Bauhaus.
Driving Urban Transitions Conference 2026
The DUT Conference 2026, organised by the Driving Urban Transitions (DUT) Partnership, will take place on 10 June 2026 in Brussels and online. The conference will bring together key stakeholders from across Europe to discuss pathways towards climate-neutral, sustainable and resilient cities.
Save the date: Satellite event of the NEB Festival: the Local Pathway towards NEB Chapter
During the Neb Festival week of June 9–13 in Brussels, the Satellite event will showcase practical applications and insightful perspectives on the New European Bauhaus in promoting the sustainable revitalisation of urban communities and villages.
European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) 2026
Between 9 and 11 June, the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) is organising the 20th edition of the European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW), the EU’s flagship event for clean energy and renewable solutions. EUSEW 2026 will be held under the overarching theme 'A clean, secure and competitive Energy Union'.
WG Documents
Shaping the future EU Agenda for Cities – ERRIN’s key messages
As Europe advances its Green Deal and sets its sights on competitiveness and the next Multiannual Financial Framework, cities, urban areas and metropolitan regions must be at the heart of the transformation. Building on the network’s long-standing expertise and recent input papers, ERRIN contributed to the call for evidence launched by the European Commission on the future EU Agenda for Cities.
ERRIN’s 10 key messages towards the next Multiannual Financial Framework
At this pivotal time for Europe, with the Commission's proposals for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10) getting closer, European Regions Research and Innovation Network (ERRIN) is pleased to provide inputs on how the EU can create the right conditions for R&I to thrive for a competitive Europe post-2027. Drawing our comprehensive paper series 'Towards the 10th Framework Programme', with insights gathered from the 120 regional ecosystems that ERRIN brings together, ERRIN has put together 10 key messages on the…
Case studies: The role of regions in the Mission on 100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030
As part of its work within the NetZeroCities project, ERRIN has developed three case studies showcasing the critical role that regions can play in the EU Mission on climate-neutral and smart cities, using examples from ERRIN member regions. With their climate-related competencies and responsibilities within national governance structures, and role in implementing national policies and facilitating financing, regions are uniquely positioned to support cities in achieving their climate neutrality goals.
ERRIN Year in review 2022
The ERRIN Year in review 2022 is out! Read the report to see the numerous activities ERRIN and its members have been involved in throughout the year.
WG Related Content
Partner search - Following City for upcoming call HORIZON-MISS-2027-04-CIT-02
As Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region, we have regional stakeholders interested in joining a consortium under the upcoming HORIZON-MISS-2027-04-CIT-02 call. This would enable the consortium to bring on board cities already engaged in the EU Cities Mission and well advanced in deploying hydrogen projects across their territories, particularly in connection with the large-scale European hydrogen valley IMAGHyNE.
LIFE Calls for proposals 2026 now open
On 22 April, the EU LIFE programme officially launched its 2026 calls for proposals. All calls are now available on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal, as well as on ERRIN’s Project Development Tool. The submission deadlines for most calls fall on 16 or 22 September 2026.
Hydrogen Valleys: applications open for 2nd Call for Project Development Assistance
The Clean Hydrogen Partnership has officially launched the second Call for Project Development Assistance (PDA), offering a valuable opportunity for regions and project developers to advance their Hydrogen Valley initiatives towards a final investment decision. The deadline for applications is 26 June 2026.
Partner Search: LIFE project to demonstrate and replicate the sustainable management drinking water utilities with advanced inspection solutions
PIPEWISE is a project proposed under the LIFE 2026 – Circular Economy and Zero Pollution programme, aimed at improving the sustainability, resilience, and efficiency of large European drinking water networks. The project builds on ACWA Robotics’ non‑intrusive, in‑service inspection technology for large‑diameter pipelines (DN ≥ 300 mm), enabling structural inspections without service interruption.
Skills for Societal Resilience — A European CoVE Initiative for Civil Preparedness
Gothenburg is looking for partners to join a proposal for the ERASMUS-EDU-2026-PEX-COVE call. Partner organisations may include regional development agencies, business support organisations, VET providers, industry associations and public authorities active in the field of skills and education.
ERRIN paper highlights the strategic role of EU Missions and mission-oriented approach in the next EU long-term budget
ERRIN has published a new paper on the future of EU Missions and mission-oriented approach in the next Multiannual Financial Framework, complementing its proposed amendments to FP10 and the European Competitiveness Fund. Drawing on regional and local examples, the paper highlights the tangible impacts of Missions in addressing societal challenges and strengthening Europe’s competitiveness.
Latest Updates
- By Jeanne Fabreguettes
Partner search - Following City for upcoming call HORIZON-MISS-2027-04-CIT-02
As Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region, we have regional stakeholders interested in joining a consortium under the upcoming HORIZON-MISS-2027-04-CIT-02 call. This would enable the consortium to bring on board cities already engaged in the EU Cities Mission and well advanced in deploying hydrogen projects across their territories, particularly in connection with the large-scale European hydrogen valley IMAGHyNE.
- By Gianpiero Petruzziello
LIFE Calls for proposals 2026 now open
On 22 April, the EU LIFE programme officially launched its 2026 calls for proposals. All calls are now available on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal, as well as on ERRIN’s Project Development Tool. The submission deadlines for most calls fall on 16 or 22 September 2026.
- By Silvia Ghiretti
Hydrogen Valleys: applications open for 2nd Call for Project Development Assistance
The Clean Hydrogen Partnership has officially launched the second Call for Project Development Assistance (PDA), offering a valuable opportunity for regions and project developers to advance their Hydrogen Valley initiatives towards a final investment decision. The deadline for applications is 26 June 2026.
- By Capucine Seguin
Partner Search: LIFE project to demonstrate and replicate the sustainable management drinking water utilities with advanced inspection solutions
PIPEWISE is a project proposed under the LIFE 2026 – Circular Economy and Zero Pollution programme, aimed at improving the sustainability, resilience, and efficiency of large European drinking water networks. The project builds on ACWA Robotics’ non‑intrusive, in‑service inspection technology for large‑diameter pipelines (DN ≥ 300 mm), enabling structural inspections without service interruption.
- By Paul Brunet
MFF: Supporting ERRIN in mapping regional and local investment needs under the future European Competitiveness Fund (ECF)
ERRIN invites its members to contribute to identifying investment needs within the scope of the future European Competitiveness Fund (ECF). This input will support the network’s advocacy efforts in the context of ongoing discussions on the ECF. The Excel spreadsheet aims to collect input from regions and local authorities on your investment needs for the development and deployment of technologies to strengthen the EU’s competitiveness. The objective is to build a consolidated overview of overall investment requirements, including, where possible, a breakdown by technology area.
- By Anonymous
Skills for Societal Resilience — A European CoVE Initiative for Civil Preparedness
Gothenburg is looking for partners to join a proposal for the ERASMUS-EDU-2026-PEX-COVE call. Partner organisations may include regional development agencies, business support organisations, VET providers, industry associations and public authorities active in the field of skills and education.