Section 1 – What is the NZIA?
Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA)
Overview: The NZIA is a pivotal EU initiative designed to scale up the manufacturing capacity of clean technologies and their supply chains. As part of the European Green Deal and Green Deal Industrial Plan, it aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. The effective implementation of NZIA is also an important part of the new Clean Industrial Deal.
The Act supports manufacturing projects essential for the EU net-zero industry, aiming to meet 40% of the EU’s annual deployment needs by 2030. These will be deemed as net-zero strategic projects benefitting from ‘priority status’ received on a national level.
Objectives:
- Increase Manufacturing Capacity: Enhance the EU's ability to produce clean technologies with low or zero greenhouse gas emissions.
- Attract Investments: Create favourable conditions for investments in clean technologies, boosting EU industry competitiveness.
- Market Access: Improve market access for clean technologies within the EU.
- Energy Independence: Support the EU's efforts to become energy independent by increasing energy system resilience.
The Act seeks to further stimulate competitiveness within the EU’s net-zero industry by simplifying the regulatory framework. To meet set objectives, a holistic approach was adopted where the Net-Zero Europe Platform was established to support the implementation of the Act, namely by:
- Creating Net-Zero Acceleration Valleys to establish clusters of net-zero industrial activity.
- Establishing Net-Zero Industry Academies to educate and train workers.
- Guiding project promoters when accessing the market and identifying funding opportunities.
- Introducing Regulatory Sandboxes to test innovative net-zero technologies.
The Act supports Key Technologies, including but not limited to:
- Solar Photovoltaic and Solar Thermal
- Electrolysers and Fuel Cells
- Onshore Wind and Offshore Renewables
- Sustainable Biogas/Biomethane
- Batteries and Storage
- Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)
- Heat Pumps
- Grid Technologies
- Sustainable alternative fuels technologies
Economic Impact:
- Market Growth: Projected global market worth €600 billion annually by 2030.
- Job Creation: Quality jobs in the clean-tech sector.
- Investment Opportunities: Stimulates investments in net-zero technologies.
Section 2 – Strategic Project Application Process
Applications are now open for net-zero technology manufacturing projects to become strategic projects under the Net-Zero Industry Act.
Under the Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA), project promoters can apply for 'net-zero strategic project’ status.
Strategic projects are vital for enhancing the resilience, strategic autonomy, and competitiveness of the EU’s net-zero industry while aiming to scale up manufacturing of technologies essential for climate-neutrality.
Net-Zero strategic projects enjoy national ‘priority status’ under the NZIA Regulation, ensuring rapid administrative treatment and faster permitting. These projects also receive additional focus in the Net-Zero Europe Platform, including through financing advice. Where applicable, urgent treatment in judicial and dispute resolution procedures, and simplified assessments for specific environmental legislation derogations are also provided.
Project promoters can apply for strategic project status by following the process outlined below. The relevant EU country will assess the applications and decide whether to grant the status. Applying does not necessarily result in receiving net-zero strategic project status; this outcome is subject to the assessment and final decision of the relevant EU country.
There are two ways to apply for strategic project status:
Applying by application form
Through this standard way you fill out the application form, the main document required for the process. You must show how your project meets at least one of the selection criteria and provide the necessary supporting documents (see the application form and guide for applicants below for details).
Applying by written request form
Alternatively, use the written request form instead of the application form for a simplified recognition process if your project already benefits from
- the ETS Innovation Fund
- Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI)
- European Hydrogen Valleys
- the Hydrogen Bank
- those in ‘less developed and transition regions’ or Just Transition Fund territories eligible for cohesion policy funding (and where the award procedure is complete)
You can find both forms here: https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/industry/sustainability/net-zero-industry-act/strategic-projects-under-nzia/strategic-projects-application-process_en
See the Commission website, guide for applicants and the FAQs for further information on the application process: https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/industry/sustainability/net-zero-industry-act/strategic-projects-under-nzia_en
Section 4 – Funds and Initiatives both local and abroad that look favourably on Strategic Project Status.
The following are some initiatives that Malta Enterprise and the European Union offer:
Smart & Sustainable Investment Grant: Supports investments leading to more sustainable processes, enhancing competitiveness through resource optimisation.
Research & Development: Supports industry in undertaking Industrial Research and Experimental Development activities.
Innovate - Innovation Aid for SMEs: Facilitates access to expertise and new knowledge to accelerate innovation and enhance business performance.
European Innovation Fund
The European Innovation Fund supports the deployment of innovative net-zero and low-carbon technologies, helping businesses invest in clean energy. It aims to decarbonize European industry and foster competitiveness through substantial funding and grants.
Invest EU
InvestEU supports clean technology by providing funding and investment to boost innovation and sustainability across Europe. It aims to attract private investment to enhance the development and deployment of clean technologies, contributing to the EU's green transition.
European Investment Bank
The European Investment Bank (EIB) provides loans and financial instruments to support clean technology projects, aiming to boost innovation and sustainability. Through initiatives like the REPowerEU Package, the EIB mobilizes significant investments to reduce Europe's dependence on fossil fuels.
Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP)
The Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) supports European industry by boosting investment in critical technologies, including clean and resource-efficient technologies 1. STEP provides funding and guidance to enhance the development and implementation of these technologies across Europe 2. STEP Coordinates funding from 11 EU programs, including Horizon Europe and the European Defence Fund 3. A STEP Seal is also awarded to high-quality projects for increased visibility and access to additional funding.
Final Section
Malta Enterprise, in collaboration with the European Commission, will be organizing an info session on 30th October 2025 presenting the main elements of the NZIA with particular focus on obtaining strategic project status.
For further details and information, kindly contact B1st at [email protected] (Malta’s Single Point of Contact).