Diego Pavia, CEO of EIT InnoEnergy, emphasized the urgent need for mobilizing private capital and innovative financing to support the scaling of clean tech initiatives, asserting that delays are not an option.

As part of an affordability action plan, member states are urged to lower electricity taxes and network charges to help reduce energy costs and advance the Energy Union.

The European Commission has launched the Clean Industrial Deal, aiming to mobilize over €100 billion to bolster local clean energy manufacturing and decarbonization across energy-intensive sectors.

New regulations will empower consumers to engage in demand response, allowing them to adjust their electricity usage based on price fluctuations and supply constraints.

A proposed Circular Economy Act seeks to enhance battery recycling and reduce reliance on Chinese recycling capacity, which currently dominates the market.

The plan also aims to promote sustainability and 'made in Europe' requirements in public procurement, ensuring efficient use and reuse of scarce materials while developing necessary workforce skills.

Business groups have expressed support for the Commission's response to industry needs but are calling for quicker implementation of measures to effectively lower energy costs.

Critics, including the Climate Action Network Europe, have voiced concerns over the lack of concrete plans to mobilize additional financing, highlighting a gap between ambition and actionable steps.

Opinions on the deal's impact on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are mixed, with some anticipating cost savings while others express concerns about insufficient funding affecting smaller firms.

An analysis by the EU suggests that the Clean Industrial Deal could save the bloc €45 billion in fossil fuel import costs in 2025, with potential annual savings rising to €130 billion by 2030.

This initiative was announced on February 19, 2025, as part of a broader strategy to enhance the competitiveness of European industries while facilitating a green transition.

MEP Mohammed Chahim has stressed the need for immediate measures to stabilize energy markets and protect citizens from soaring electricity prices, proposing a cap on these prices.