The 18th SET Plan Conference, held in Budapest on 14-15 November 2024, brought together energy sector leaders and policymakers under the Hungarian Presidency of the EU Council. Focused on advancing green energy transition and clean technologies, the conference explored key strategic issues including decarbonisation, energy competitiveness, and the integration of emerging technologies within the EU.
The central theme, “Scaling up research, innovation and competitiveness in clean energy technologies,” addressed the need for reinforcing Europe’s energy sovereignty and enhancing the competitiveness of clean energy technology value chains. The conference, organised by the Hungarian Ministry of Energy and the European Commission, provided a vital platform for over 200 participants, including decision-makers, industry stakeholders, and researchers, to discuss collaborative strategies for deploying innovative clean energy solutions.
A key objective of the conference was to foster cooperation between national and European energy policies, facilitating synergies that support the development of clean energy technologies. The agenda featured thematic panels and parallel sessions that examined critical areas such as the commercialisation of clean technologies, industrial decarbonisation, geothermal energy, energy storage, and hydrogen. Special workshops were held with the Implementation Working Groups (IWGs) and European Technology and Innovation Platforms (ETIPs) funded under Horizon Europe, focusing on enhancing collaboration and identifying concrete actions to accelerate the clean energy transition.
The event also highlighted the challenges and opportunities in the market adoption of innovative energy technologies. Discussions centred around the obstacles hindering the market entry of new green technologies, the need for competitive skills development, and the potential of green hydrogen and geothermal energy.
