FROM RESEARCH TO DEPLOYMENT OF
INNOVATIVE RENEWABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES (iRETs):
POWERING EUROPE’S COMPETITIVENESS THROUGH THE NEXT MFF

Organised by:

Hosted by MEP Nicolás González Casares, the Parliamentary Breakfast on Innovative Renewable Energy Technologies (iRETs) brought together EU policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers to explore how Europe can strengthen its global leadership in clean energy innovation. “We have to develop our own iRETs in Europe as an innovative, cheap and affordable solution” remarked Nicolás González Casares.

The event was co-organised by Airborne Wind Europe, Future Cleantech Architects, EUREC – The Association of European Renewable Energy Research Centres, and ETIPWind.

Key messages from the Breakfast:

Participants identified several critical needs to unlock the potential of innovative renewable energy technologies:

• A clear target for iRETs within the EU’s 2040 climate goal — because ambition must be backed by direction.
• Inclusion of innovative renewables in the upcoming EU Electrification Action Plan and the 2028–2034 research and innovation programme.
• Technology-specific financial support at both EU and national level to bring demonstration projects to life — including for Airborne Wind Energy, next-gen photovoltaics, deep geothermal, and ocean energy. “Our technologies are made in Europe and for Europe and help increase the energy security in our continent” underscored  Kristian Petrick, Secretary General of AWEU.

Five iRET innovators took the stage to present their technologies and visions. Representatives of the European Commission, including Patrick Brenier (Advisor for the European Research Area and open science at European Commission – DG RTD) and Paula Rey Garcia (Deputy Head of Unit for Renewables and Energy System Integration Policy – DG ENER), detailed existing support mechanisms — from funding and deployment to permitting and public acceptance — and reinforced the EU’s commitment to advancing innovative renewable solutions.

AGENDA

EXHIBITION OF A REAL AWE SYSTEM IN FRONT OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

While conversations unfolded inside the Parliament, innovation was also on display outside. Just steps away on the Esplanade, a 40m² Airborne Wind Energy kite system caught the eyes of passers-by and sparked meaningful exchanges.