NEFERTITI will develop an innovative highly efficient photocatalytic system enabling a simultaneous conversion of CO2 and H2O into solar fuels (ethanol and alcohols with longer chain such as (iso)propanol) and thus provide a breakthrough alternative to transform CO2 into valuable products for energy and transport. NEFERTITI aims to integrate novel heterogeneous catalysts (Covalent organic frameworks and metal oxides combined with metallic nanoparticles) and luminescent solar concentrators into two Photocatalytic flow reactors sourced by sunlight energy. The reaction mechanisms for the photocatalytic CO2/H2O conversion and C-C bond formation will be defined and optimised. As this has never been done before, NEFERTITI will develop a completely new way of producing such compounds in a continuous manner having a significant impact on the scientific understating of this technology. Modelling of C-C bond formation from activated intermediates will then determinate the reaction pathways, barriers and selectivity for C-C, C-O and C-H bonds. By increasing the sunlight conversion efficiency and improving light-harvesting and charge separation, NEFERTITI will overcome the remaining technological challenges, improve the competitiveness of the photocatalytic technologies and enable a carbon-neutral production of solar fuels in a single-step process as an alternative to traditional multi-step processes. Novel photocatalytic materials, optical and chemical light-harvesting components and flow reactors will be designed, developed and integrated in a system reaching a TRL4 at the end of the project. Economic and sustainability assessment throughout the entire life cycle will consider socio-economic and environmental impacts, as well as workers’ health & safety to maximize productivity and resource efficiency and minimize the risks. The consortium is composed of an experienced multidisciplinary team from EU, China and USA, supported by an international Advisory Board.

Modern technologies required for the transition to a climate-resilient sustainable green and digital future (wind generators, electric motors) heavily rely on rare-earth (REE) permanent magnets. However, with China covering 98% of the supply to Europe in 2022, the continent is left in an extremely vulnerable position with respect to these critical raw materials. In this framework, BEETHOVEN seeks to address the challenge brought forward in the Topic description to reduce the amount of REE employed in the new energy sector. The main goal of the project is to develop innovative and sustainable advanced magnetic materials that substitute REE in the energy and transportation sectors. We will work on developing and upscaling 3 types of magnetic phases: high-entropy alloys, ferrite-based composites and W-type ferrites, that could be deployed at large scale in the permanent magnets market. Substitution will be demonstrated in final applications by developing REE-bonded magnets for automotive components, and by designing and building prototypes for a REE-lean wind generator, a REE-free flywheel and a REE-free/lean e-motor for electric vehicles. With a total budget of 7.5 Million €, balanced between the parallel technological developments and across the project´s value chain, BEETHOVEN will address the 6 activities specified in the Topic Description. To do so, a team of experts from 14 partners and 10 countries -with demonstrated experience working collaboratively at the frontier of knowledge in the permanent magnet sector- has been assembled. The successful implementation of the project is expected to put BEETHOVEN in the position to contribute to the expected outcomes and wider impacts of the call by reducing Europe´s REE magnets imports by an estimated 2,200-4,900 tons by 2033. The key technologies, skills and materials to achieve this impact will be developed within EU borders, contributing to a more resilient, autonomous and industrially competitive Europe.

The turnover of mining and quarrying in Europe reaches up to 224 billion Euros and has generated EUR 64.9 billion of value added, 1% of the non-financial business economy total. The rise of key enabling technologies and the urbanisation and industrialisation of emerging economies in combination with increase in population and living standards will continue to drive growing demand for raw materials. The need to extract raw materials in a profitable, environmentally sound, and safe way for both mining workforce and communities is driving the mining industry towards innovative approaches to transform operations. Even though Industry 4.0 offers a wide spectrum of solutions, and intelligent technologies to address respective challenges, the mining industry hesitates to adopt such innovative approaches when compared to downstream industries. In addition, the need for a human-centred, environmentally oriented and society-driven approach is emerging in developing Industrial Internet of Things technologies for mining. Dig_IT will address the needs of the mining industry to move forward towards a sustainable use of resources while keeping people and environment at the forefront of their priorities. In order to achieve that Dig_IT proposes the development of a smart Industrial Internet of Things platform (IIoTp) that will improve the efficiency and sustainability of mining operations by connecting cyber and physical systems. The platform will collect data from sensors at 3 levels: (i) human, (ii) assets, (iii) environment and will also incorporate both market real time and historical data. The impact of Dig_IT to the European Mining industry, but also the society itself, can be summarised in the following (with a horizon of 4 years after project ends): (i) increase of the mining efficiency by 17%, (ii) increased OEE for machines and loading by 20% and 18% respectively, (iii) 19% reduction of CO2eq, (iv) about 310 new jobs created and (v) over 28M EUR ROI for the consortium.

A dramatic rise in the implementation of renewable energy sources is needed if we want to meet European climate protection targets. Photovoltaic (PV) costs have decreased spectacularly over time, turning photovoltaics into one of the most competitive sources of electricity in the EU. An economically feasible and space-saving approach to increase the capacity of renewable energy sources is to integrate PV systems into structures that already exist or to build new structures that originally integrate a PV function. Building-integrated and infrastructure-integrated PV are technologically proven solutions. Due to its multifunctionality, building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) installations can achieve a better economic and ecological balance over their lifetime than conventional building elements. New technologies for PV cells, electrical connections, and front and back covers allow a free choice of formats and colours for integrated PV modules. Likewise, infrastructure-integrated PV offers a large potential for PV integration, due to the unique advantages of somewhat standardized constructions, little emphasis on aesthetics and a small number of builders and owners compared to the building sector. However, integrated PV (IPV) is still a niche market. Several barriers are still preventing the massive integration of PV into buildings and infrastructure. The project MASS-IPV has been conceived as a multidisciplinary action that connects key players along the PV and construction value chains. The goal of the project is to demonstrate that suitable tools, technologies, and methods, combined with a collaboration framework among key stakeholders, can overcome the barriers preventing the mass deployment of IPV and deliver multifunctional and cost-effective IPV systems for buildings and infrastructure. Six different built objects will be used to demonstrate the technology, representing different construction typologies in five different locations in Europe.

DIAMETER aims to facilitate the implementation of a circular economy within the metal manufacturing sector through the development of hybrid manufacturing systems based on additive manufacturing. The Consortium will develop a set of digital tools to improve the design, optimise the manufacturing process and ease the implementation of circularity strategies (remanufacturing, refurbishing, repairing and recycling) by the additive manufacturing industry. To support those tools, we will develop a novel AI-assisted algorithm able to calculate both the ecological and economic impacts of a process to assess its sustainability. This AI-assisted algorithm will rely on experimental data, from process monitoring and part characterisations, and process simulation, covering pre-processing machining, additive manufacturing and post-processing machining. We will integrate these tools into a first platform, called DIAgonal, to facilitate the uptake by the industry. The platform will integrate the European Digital Product Passport by enabling the use of supplier data for more accurate ecological impact estimations and allowing the upload of experimental data to enrich product transparency on origin, materials, and recyclability. We will develop a second platform, DIAdemia, to support the upskilling of the workforce through interactive training courses, workshops, and exercises. Overall, DIAMETER will contribute to reducing the manufacturing sector's carbon footprint, enhancing recycling, developing a greener Industry 4.0 and promoting local production.