Europe - Trends

Europe is at the forefront of sustainability practices and clean technology innovations given binding emissions reduction targets. Renewable energy is seeing massive growth, with countries like Germany, Spain and Denmark leading in wind power while France, Italy and Greece invest heavily in solar PV capacity.

Countries are also focused on environmental sustainability, energy security and low-carbon technologies with heavy investments in renewable energy infrastructure as well as EV and battery development. The EU recovery fund is also financing infrastructure upgrades in transport, power distribution, EV charging stations and rural broadband access.

The EU aims to reach technology leadership in batteries and electric mobility this decade with companies like – Northvolt, Italvolt and Britishvolt expanding Gigafactories while VW, Renault, Stellantis target over 50% EV sales by 2030. Charging infrastructure is also growing rapidly.

Hydrogen development for transport, energy storage and industrial processes is another priority area for the EU’s decarbonization strategy with major public-private projects underway in countries like – Germany, France and the UK.

The manufacturing sector is also transitioning towards more sustainable, digitized and circular production models in line with the EU Green Deal. Space tech, microelectronics, industrial biotech, clean aviation and rail transport are some target industries seeing innovation support and investments.

Upskilling workforce competencies, upgrading digital infrastructure, smoothing cross-border trade and strengthening cybersecurity are other focus areas for the bloc. Overall — sustainability principles are shaping R&D priorities and industrial growth trajectories across the European Union presently.