The European Innovation Council Prize - Fuel From The Sun: Artificial Photosynthesis

From European Commission - DG Research & Innovation website

The European Commission has launched the second of six European Innovation Council (EIC) Horizon Prizes, on Artificial Photosynthesis, run under Horizon 2020, the EU's research and innovation programme.

EIC - Fuel from the Sun The €5 million award will go to a new solution for combining sunlight, water and carbon from the air through artificial photosynthesis that will produce sustainable fuel. The competition was opened during the high-level One Planet Summit convened by French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris.

Artificial photosynthesis can contribute to tackling both energy and climate problems as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels for a range of applications in industry, housing and transport. It mimics the process of natural photosynthesis by absorbing solar energy to produce fuel that can be stored and transported. It is considered one of the most promising clean energy technology breakthroughs. 

The prize is part of the EU's efforts to double investments in clean energy-related research and innovation by 2020 under the international Mission Innovation initiative. In particular, it will contribute to Mission Innovation Challenge "Converting sunlight into storable solar fuels". The contestants will have to build a fully functional, experimental prototype device of a fuel production system, integrating the entire artificial photosynthesis process from light capture to fuel production.

The deadline for applications is 3 February 2021. More information, including the Rules of Contest, is available on the EIC website.

EIC Horizon Prize - Fuel from the Sun infographics