From 14 to 16 May 2025, the SUNER-C consortium hosted a series of events in Brussels to mark the end of the project, celebrate its achievements, and outline the path forward to accelerate accelerate the development of sustainable fuels and chemicals. The SUNERGY community gathered for three key events: a Policy Dinner at the European Parliament, the SUNER-C Final Conference, and the final Consortium Meeting.
On 14 May, the SUNERGY Policy Dinner brought together EU policymakers, researchers, and industry representatives to discuss how sustainable fuels and chemicals can contribute to the EU’s Clean Industrial Deal (CID). Hosted by Stefan Köhler, Member of the European Parliament, the event underscored the strategic importance of fossil-free sustainable fuels and chemicals for Europe’s climate objectives, competitiveness, and energy resilience.
Our Policy Director, Tudy Bernier, was one of the keynote speakers, offering the industry’s perspective on scale-up needs and market challenges. The panel concluded with remarks from Beatrice Coda (Head of Unit, Clean Energy Transitions – DG Research & Innovation, European Commission), Bert Weckhuysen (Professor, Utrecht University & SUNER-C Coordinator), and Pedro Francisco (Policy Officer, DG MOVE, European Commission), who discussed the critical need to accelerate the deployment of technologies, establish robust supply chains, and integrate sustainable fuels and chemicals into EU industrial policy.
On 15 May, the project’s Final Conference took place at Sparks, in Brussels, and welcomed more than 60 participants from research, industry, and European institutions. The event opened with remarks from SUNER-C coordinators, followed by a keynote address from Nicola Armaroli (CNR) emphasising the role of solar fuels in a climate-neutral future. Further discussions included a joint presentation on the SUNERGY Roadmap and Blueprint, outlining the initiative’s long-term vision.
In the afternoon, a dynamic panel discussion brought together experts to address the future of solar fuels and chemicals as well as the next steps for SUNERGY. A special highlight of the event was the creative session led by designer Jacob de Baan. Contributing his unique approach to integrating sustainability into design thinking within the project, he introduced probes intended to stimulate discussion and debate.
On the final day, project partners reconvened for the last Consortium Meeting. The session focused on presenting final work package updates, wrapping up deliverables, and reviewing administrative and financial reporting. The coordinators concluded by encouraging continued efforts to build on the SUNER-C path through future projects aligned with Horizon Europe and the Clean Industrial Deal and thanked all partners for their contributions since the project’s launch.
Over the past three years, CO₂ Value Europe has been a proud partner in the SUNER-C project, co-leading its communication and dissemination efforts. Our role has been to ensure that the project’s key results and developments were effectively shared with relevant stakeholders, contributing to the ongoing dialogue on sustainable fuels and chemicals.
We look forward to continuing our work in fostering new public-private initiatives and in shaping the necessary legislation and societal support to create a circular society—one in which solar energy is a key component in the production of sustainable fuels, chemicals, and materials.
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