2025.03.13. – 4 min read
Innomine DIH, engaged in the digitalisation of manufacturing companies, is putting a central role supporting manufacturing companies, by guiding them towards creating a more sustainable, energy efficient operation, in align with the goals of the European Union. As the European Union pushes forward with its ambition towards green transition, the concept of a net-zero economy has a central role, especially within manufacturing. With the ambitious goals outlined in the European Green Deal and the Net-Zero Industry Act, there is a critical need for industries to transform their processes and technologies towards climate neutrality, being more sustainable and energy efficient. At the centre of this transformation lies smart manufacturing — to drive the shift towards more sustainable, efficient, and resilient industries. In this article we aim to highlight on the approach of the EU’s Net-Zero Industry Act to support manufacturing companies in defining their strategic directions.
Green Deal and the EU’s Net-Zero Industry Act: A Path to Sustainable Transformation
The aim of the European Green Deal (2023) is to transform the EU into a climate-neutral economy by 2050. It focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting the use of renewable energy, and improving energy efficiency. The Green Deal seeks to foster sustainable growth through policies that support the circular economy, biodiversity preservation, and cleaner transport, while ensuring a just transition for industries and workers. It also aims to make Europe the world’s first climate-neutral continent, aligning economic growth with environmental sustainability. The Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA), entering into force on June, 2024, establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework designed to enhance the competitiveness of European industries and technologies critical for decarbonization. The NZIA seeks to strengthen the EU’s manufacturing capacity for net-zero technologies and their essential components, addressing obstacles to scaling production within Europe. This regulation will foster increased competitiveness in the net-zero technology sector, attract investments, and facilitate market access for clean technologies across the EU. In doing so, it supports the clean energy transition and bolsters the EU’s energy resilience. The Act sets an ambitious target for net-zero manufacturing capacity to meet at least 40% of the EU’s annual deployment needs by 2030, offering predictability, stability, and long-term guidance to manufacturers and investors. Additionally, by 2030, the Act aims to establish a unified EU market for CO2 storage services, setting an EU-level objective for a minimum annual CO2 storage capacity of 50 million tonnes.
Smart Manufacturing: A Key Enabler of Net-Zero Goals
Smart manufacturing refers to the use of advanced digital technologies to optimize the manufacturing process. This includes real-time data monitoring, predictive analytics, and autonomous systems that not only increase efficiency but also allow for better resource management. These capabilities align seamlessly with the EU’s Green Deal and Net-Zero Industry Act’s objectives, as they help companies reduce emissions while improving productivity. For instance, the integration of AI and machine learning algorithms, the creation of digital twins in manufacturing processes allows businesses to predict equipment failures and optimize energy consumption in real time. The use of these technologies can lead to substantial energy savings and prolong the lifespan of manufacturing equipments. Additionally, IoT-enabled sensors in manufacturing plants provide continuous monitoring, allowing businesses to track energy usage, emissions, and waste production, making it easier to meet the stringent reporting requirements set forth by the EU.
Innomine DIH: Facilitating the Transition to Smart Manufacturing
Innomine DIH is at the forefront of these advancements, supporting European manufacturers in their journey towards smart, sustainable production. As a Digital Innovation Hub (DIH), Innomine DIH offers a comprehensive suite of services, including consulting, technology integration, and access to cutting-edge digital tools and platforms. By fostering collaboration between industrial players, technology providers, and research organizations, Innomine DIH helps manufacturers adopt digital solutions that align with EU sustainability targets. Innomine DIH’s expertise lies in facilitating the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies that can directly contribute to the EU’s decarbonization goals. Through its partnerships with various stakeholders, Innomine DIH provides manufacturers with the tools they need to access the funding, expertise, and knowledge required to implement these transformative solutions.
References
D.A. Almeida et. al (2023): The “Greening” of Empire: The European Green Deal as the EU first agenda, Political Geography, Volume 105, ISSN 0962-6298
European Commission. (2024). Net-Zero Industry Act.
European Commission. (2020). The European Green Deal.
P. Wellener et. al. (2021): Accelerating smart manufacturing: The value of an ecosystem approach. Report of Deloitte.
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