From March 26–27, the SUN-PERFORM project joined innovators, researchers, and policymakers at the Joint EIC–SUNERGY Roadmapping Event on Renewable Hydrogen, Fuels & Chemicals in Brussels. Representing SUN-PERFORM were project coordinator Sarah D’Adamo from Wageningen University & Research, alongside Laura Martinelli and Francesco Pascolo from INsociety.
The two-day gathering united key stakeholders from academia, industry, and policy sectors to assess the current innovation landscape and identify critical milestones for achieving large-scale real-world deployment. Discussions covered diverse topics, including solar-to-X device readiness and the importance of techno-sustainability assessments in early-stage research.
The team presented SUN-PERFORM with a dedicated display highlighting the project’s mission, partnership structure, and contributions to solar-to-chemical conversion technology. They also gained insights from some of Europe’s leading experts on scaling renewable technologies sustainably.
“Europe’s energy future requires focused collaboration, and the EIC-SUNERGY event created a valuable space to listen, exchange, and engage with voices from industry, academia, government, and European institutions. I was delighted to participate in it with our project SUN-PERFORM,” said Sarah D’Adamo.
The Role of Molecules and Life Cycle Assessment
The importance of bio-based or electricity-based molecules for aviation, shipping, and energy storage was emphasized as a critical pathway alongside increased electrification and enhanced efficiency.
Participants discussed the importance of harmonized Life Cycle Assessment methodologies, empowering young scientists through stable funding, creating innovation networks, and reinforcing public-private partnerships.
Advancing Horizon Europe’s Ambitious Solar Fuel Initiative
During the workshop, SUN-PERFORM strengthened its connection to the S2B – Solar to Butanol project, which shares the same Horizon Europe funding initiative. This initiative seeks to develop advanced biochemical or biomimetic pathways for solar fuel production that significantly improve efficiency in light harvesting and carbon fixation compared to natural photosynthesis, excluding hydrogen as a fuel.
Together, SUN-PERFORM and S2B, will also address scalability, sustainability, safety, and cost-effectiveness, while integrating with other solar fuel technologies.
“Participating in the EIC-SUNERGY event with SUN-PERFORM was a fantastic opportunity to shape a shared roadmap for the future and connect with inspiring projects across Europe,” highlighted Laura Martinelli, CEO and founder of INsociety.
A Collaborative Effort
The event was co-organized by the European Innovation Council, the Interuniversity Microelectronics Centre, SolDAC, S2B – Solar To Butanol, and the EU initiative SUNERGY, demonstrating the collaborative approach needed to advance European renewable fuel technologies.
The discussions and insights gathered will inform SUN-PERFORM’s upcoming activities, particularly those related to technology assessment, policy alignment, and building capacity for scaling sustainable solar fuel solutions.