EU launches new tool to reduce industrial pollution

Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The EU Commission launched a new tool to deploy innovative technologies to lessen industrial pollution around Europe.

Following the takeoff of the European Innovation Centre for Industrial Transformation and Emissions (INCITE) in June 2024, the EU Commission unveiled the INCITE information platform that consolidates data on innovative clean industrial technologies. 

According to the EU Commission, INCITE is a critical component of the revised Industrial Emissions Directive (IED). It enables the uptake of innovative technologies that can lower emissions (including greenhouse gas emissions) or lower waste of resources.  

What role does the platform play in supporting clean tech?

The platform is prepared to receive and collect data from and on all industrial sectors wrapped under the IED, with an initial emphasis on energy-intensive industries such as iron, steel, cement, and chemical production. Commission states that about 20 illustrative techniques are unrestricted on the platform originating from ongoing EU-funded schemes. Examples include carbon capture and storage schemes in the cement and lime sectors, hybrid furnaces in the glass industry, and undertakings for treating PFAS in wastewater.

How can industries use the incite platform to innovate?

As reported by the Commission, users can present information through a simple questionnaire. The platform allows stakeholders to make informed decisions by delivering a comprehensive overview of the environmental performance, technology maturity, expenses and benefits, and possible trade-offs of these technologies. 

How does incite enhance collaboration among key stakeholders?

The platform will also reinforce dialogue and cooperation between industry, technology providers, research and technology organisations, policymakers and financial players. In addition, it will help national authorities in the process of approving first-of-a-kind industrial plants and deliver information to financial actors to determine the most promising technologies to invest in.

This instrument is supervised by the Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC). It has been said that the innovative techniques considered ready for service and with significant environmental benefits will be included in the Sevilla process, to design future environmental norms and further expand the deployment of clean technologies in Europe.