The Industrial Plan for the net-zero age
Early last February, the European Commission presented what is known as the Industrial Plan for the Net-Zero Age. This project is incorporated into the wider Green Deal, the main purpose of which is to help companies reach zero net emissions and climate neutrality.
The ambitious European objectives included in the REPowerEU plan and the Green Deal, as mentioned above, mainly involve increasing domestic capacity to supply sustainable products and services which are non-polluting, so as to reduce the impact of human activity on an already damaged environment.
Europe aims to become a leader in the transition to net-zero emissions
During the presentation of the Industrial Plan, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, emphasised that it is crucial for Europe to become a leader in the development of net-zero emission technologies.
Taking on such a leading role means commanding a real revolution in the technology sector and nurturing not only a huge number of EU companies but also the many specialised workers who will form a key reference point.
The Green Deal proposals are part of a project which can really help companies in every sector look to a greener future, free from emissions and respectful of the climate. All this will, however, only be possible through close collaboration between local governments and businesses.
The four key areas of the Industrial Transition Plan
The achievement of the targets set out in the Industrial Transition Plan will result in the creation of new job opportunities and real innovation in methods of mass production. In order to help companies embrace carbon neutrality, four key areas have been established as follows:
- a simplified regulatory system;
- easier access to funding for companies who play a key role in the energy transition;
- staff training programs;
- stronger supply chains.
The first point, which is probably the most far-reaching of the four mentioned above, involves the simplification of regulations in order to ensure that obtaining the required authorisations becomes easier, together with the promotion of strategic projects aimed at boosting the uptake of renewable energy.
In addition to the extension of certain ad hoc legislation to guarantee access to some of the rarer raw materials (especially those crucial to the development of key technologies), the electricity market is also expected to undergo reforms, which will allow consumers to access subsidised prices by choosing green energy sources.
The second point gives companies the opportunity to exploit existing EU funding allocated to investment in renewable energy sources. This will provide tax breaks, while enabling companies to sidestep much of the usual bureaucracy and over-long delays.
The third key point focuses on the need to provide sufficient staff training in readiness for the industrial transition to net-zero emissions. Estimates suggest that this change will affect around 35-40% of workers, who, with suitable training, will be able to attain higher salaries in accordance with their skills.
The last (but no less important) aspect involves the establishment of new commerce regulations, designed to promote cooperation between the various member states, while protecting against unfair business practices.
If the above guidelines are put into practice properly, the objective of the Net-Zero Age will be achieved relatively easily and will mark the beginning of a more self-sufficient, cleaner Europe.
Translated by Joanne Beckwith
