WEnnovate focuses on contributing to the energy transition towards a green, sustainable, and locally powered energy system in the EU. By involving stakeholders from big corporations to  small start-ups, public authorities, academia and civil society, we are developing action plans to strengthen innovation ecosystems for deep tech and digital innovations in the energy sectors in the Netherlands, Hungary, Slovakia and Ukraine.

What issues are we working to resolve?

The energy transition requires collective action and a systemic approach at the European level. To facilitate the development of innovation and maximise its impact, we need a systemic transformation that involves diverse actors, institutions and geographies. This also entails promoting cross-border exchange of best practices across the EU and Associated Countries. 

For innovation cohesion, it is crucial to tackle the problem of unequal access for innovative energy entrepreneurs to markets, grid infrastructure, and financial support. Such an ambition requires changing regulatory and policy frameworks and fostering social and organisational innovation. This multifaceted approach aims to tackle the systemic challenges hindering progress in the energy sector and pave the way for a more sustainable and inclusive energy future.

The project aims to strengthen the pathways towards Clean Energy for All Europeans and boost Local Energy Communities and Energy Sharing. It also aims to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and the strategic objectives of the New European Innovation Agenda.

What is WEnnovate’s approach?

The project involves exploratory and co-creation phases. During the first phase, we conduct research on deep tech and digital innovation ecosystems within the energy sectors of the Netherlands, Hungary, Slovakia and Ukraine. All research findings are verified by the energy industry experts to ensure they are accurate and remain relevant to the ever-changing agenda.

During the second stage, we collaboratively design and develop national action plans for the four participating countries, alongside a joint long-term programme. This involves engaging diverse stakeholders in ongoing dialogue and hosting both in-person and online meetings on the national and international levels. The broad geographic scope and diversity of the consortium members facilitate extensive engagement with innovation ecosystem actors. WEnnovate pays special attention to working with underrepresented groups, including female entrepreneurs, rural stakeholders, individuals affected by energy poverty, and others.

What could your role be?

We welcome all people working or interested in the energy transition to join our dialogue at both Dutch and EU levels. Your participation in our events allows you to actively contribute to shaping the future of the energy sector.

Join our stakeholder network to get updates about the project progress and invitations to the events.

Relevant Updates

  • First stakeholder meeting

    At the first stakeholder meeting, in partnership with Unify.energy and Provincie Utrecht, we presented the preliminary findings of our research on the innovation ecosystem of deep tech and digital innovations in the energy transition in the Netherlands.

  • Europe's Struggle with Overloaded Power Grids Threatens Sustainability Goals

    European countries are struggling to keep pace with the growing demands from the electricity grid. Join us as we explore what can be done.

  • Project kick-off

    Our team took part in the kick-off of the WEnnovate project in Budapest, Hungary. We were happy to meet partners from four countries - Hungary, Slovakia, Ukraine and the Netherlands - to begin tackling Europe's energy transition challenges together.

Explore the consortium

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union and European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.