ZERO-EMISSION TECHNOLOGY FROM PILOT TO MARKET

WP1 Strengthened Cross-Sector Collaboration and Regulatory Maturation:

The green transition requires new development processes and improved collaboration across sectors. Traditional innovation processes have focused primarily on technological maturity, or Technology Readiness Level (TRL). Today, however, several additional factors influence whether new technological solutions can be introduced and scaled in the market. A technology may reach the highest level on the TRL scale, yet its market entry may be hindered by a lack of collaboration with other development efforts, insufficient regulatory processes or incentives, or limited market access. Therefore, as technology is developed, it must also be assessed in parallel against its Regulatory Readiness Level (RRL) and Market Readiness Level (MRL).

To address regulatory bottlenecks early in the technology development process, the project “Zero-Emission Energy Technology from Pilot to Market” will identify and facilitate new, and further develop existing, arenas and networks by including key actors from across the entire value chain and sectors. This will ensure better and more long-term cross-sector collaboration in Trøndelag and a faster path from idea to pilot and on to market.

WP2 International Markets

Norway has funded several major innovation projects up to the piloting and demonstration stages. The challenge is that many actors lack support to take their solutions further after the project ends—to mature the technology and make it attractive and competitive for international markets. Much of the zero-emission technology developed in Trøndelag is world-leading and international actors show great interest in these solutions and the Trøndelag market. The challenge lies in managing this interest and finding opportunities for facilitating and financing collaboration and piloting in new markets, as well as international market introduction.

Several Norwegian R&D actors hold key roles in European partnerships and networks, while Norwegian businesses—especially SMEs—often lack the capacity to prioritize participation. Through coordinated involvement in the project, businesses gain access to early information, background on calls through the framework program, increased influence in policy development and the ability to shape future calls. Partnerships also serve as a gateway to the best consortia.

Horizon Europe (HEU) is the world’s largest research and innovation program, offering financial support schemes that cover the entire innovation process—from idea to market. By participating in EU-funded projects, actors can test their technologies in multiple markets, gain access to knowledge and experience from top international players, and establish partnerships and potential customer relationships abroad. Additionally, they may discover new applications for their technologies in international markets and other sectors.

The project will provide EU advisory services to prepare companies for international activity, connect international actors with relevant businesses in Central Norway, coordinate participation in relevant conferences and international networks and partnerships, mobilize for participation in EU projects and communicate international opportunities to cluster members. In the long term, this will lead to international market introduction, a broader customer base, stronger international partnerships, increased access to information and influence, and greater visibility and attractiveness for Trøndelag businesses and the region as a market.

WP3 Enhanced Expertise in Zero-Emission Energy Technology

Having sufficient and appropriate expertise at every stage of the value chain is crucial for zero-emission energy technology to be operated efficiently and create value. Commercializing zero-emission energy solutions often requires developing technology in one sector, while the solution must be adapted, integrated, and implemented in another. One example is the development of new solutions for green transport, where the energy sector develops new energy carriers, while the transport sector must adapt to use them. For pilot-phase projects to achieve scaling and growth, competence gaps must be identified and addressed through targeted initiatives.

Authorities need insight into the development of zero-emission energy technology, customers and consumers must have the right knowledge to adopt new solutions and investors must have sufficient expertise to assess the technology and the markets in which it operates.

The project will identify competence gaps in zero-emission energy technology, initiate new competence development measures in the form of courses, workshops, and seminars, and connect actors for knowledge sharing through major events or direct business-to-business matchmaking.

WP4 Coordination and Dissemination

Dissemination and communication are especially important to ensure progress in the project and to achieve its long-term goals: maturing the market and laying the groundwork for investment decisions. The project will ensure that communication reaches the right target groups and that the knowledge developed is put to use. This work package will cover project management, coordination, public engagement, communication, dissemination and market maturation—both nationally and internationally.

Key target groups for communication:

1. The contracting authority, project partners and collaborators
2. Individuals/organizations, including the project partners themselves, affected by the project, as well as niche and trade media
3. Stakeholders outside the project’s internal environment, including the general public

The project will ensure that knowledge and experiences are recognized and used as a knowledge base for other actors, contributing to the faster commercialization of zero-emission energy technology. It will also ensure visibility around activities and initiatives, new partnerships and participants in the cluster’s activities, as well as the utilization of relevant support schemes nationally and internationally.