The grant agreement for Phase IV, which spans 2024–2028, was signed on 11 December during a ceremony at the Directorate-General for Energy in Brussels. Funded by the LIFE Clean Energy Transition sub-programme, this phase will continue to promote energy sustainability within the European defence sector, building on nearly a decade of progress.
The global defence sector accounts for up to 5.5% of global CO2 emissions, highlighting its critical role in climate action. Over the years, CF SEDSS has supported EU defence ministries in transitioning to sustainable energy systems that align with broader EU climate ambitions. The newly launched phase aims to address emerging challenges and strengthen collaboration between energy and defence communities.
Phase IV will focus on sharing expertise, fostering joint projects, conducting studies, and developing policy roadmaps. Key themes include energy efficiency, renewable energy integration, and energy security. The initiative will also organise high-level events, workshops, and exercises exploring cutting-edge topics like digitalisation, electrification, low-carbon propulsion, and AI-driven energy management systems.
Nathalie Guichard, EDA’s Director of Research, Technology, and Innovation, emphasised the forum’s enduring importance. “This is the largest defence energy community, and a unique platform for dialogue which continues addressing the common energy considerations of the defence ministries,” she said. Guichard expressed confidence in the forum’s ability to drive sustainable and resilient energy practices within the armed forces.
Alejandro Ulzurrun, Acting Director at DG Energy, underscored the initiative’s alignment with EU priorities. “The Consultation Forum is well placed to contribute to the new Commission’s agenda on energy and defence,” he noted. He highlighted the forum’s potential to identify dual-use solutions that address shared challenges, such as boosting energy efficiency and expanding renewable energy use.
Hans Rhein, Head of Unit LIFE Energy and LIFE Climate at CINEA, praised the collaboration between the EDA and the European Commission. “The Commission has granted close to €10 million to EDA over the past seven years to assist the European defence sector in addressing sustainable energy,” he said. Rhein stressed the defence sector’s pivotal role in achieving the EU’s decarbonisation goals by 2050.
Source: European Defence Agency (EDA).