The ERCC unit engages in ongoing policy research on the EU’s transition to a net-zero economy. Our policy work promotes an informed debate and contributes to the development of evidence-based solutions to energy, resources, climate change and geopolitical challenges for Europe, both now and towards 2050 and beyond.

Energy between crisis and transition

Against the background of the ongoing energy crisis we focus our work on evaluating natural gas patterns and identifying policy solutions for the high and volatile energy prices. We also closely monitor the ongoing discussions about the reform of the electricity market design. In view of the REPowerEU’s call to double down on renewable installations, we examine challenges and options for up taking offshore wind energy.

Competitiveness and sustainability of EU green industries

Industrial decarbonisation is one of the core challenges for the EU to reach climate neutrality. With the rapid decarbonisation of the power sector, an increasing share of ETS emissions are linked to energy-intensive industry. In recent years, industrial policies are also making a comeback in Europe. We continue to assess the policy mix that best enables Europe’s industries to transform to climate neutrality and for its green producers to be competitive.

Sustainable Resources and Circular Economy

As recognised by the EU industrial strategy, improving circularity and ensuring access to resources is also important for sustaining EU industrial leadership in green technologies. Our work focuses in analysing the conditions and policy options for developing sustainable industrial ecosystems in a range of sectors including batteries and automotive, electronics, plastics, steel and cement.