SETDEPLOY – Driving the Implementation of the SET Plan Action 8

Accelerating the deployment of renewable fuels and bioenergy in Europe

SETDEPLOY is a collaborative project under the Horizon Europe framework designed to support and advance the implementation of the SET Plan Action 8 – Renewable Fuels and Bioenergy.

Bioenergy and renewable fuels play a crucial role in achieving the EU’s climate neutrality target and the transition towards a sustainable, secure, and competitive energy system. These technologies are particularly vital for decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors such as aviation, shipping, and heavy road transport, where electrification remains limited.

The SET Plan identifies renewable fuels and bioenergy as key enablers for meeting Europe’s renewable energy and decarbonization goals. To translate this vision into action, coordinated efforts are required among Member States, industry, and research stakeholders, along with the alignment of priorities and the implementation of enabling policies and technologies.

The SETDEPLOY project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 101235491

Aligning with new policy frameworks and climate targets

The updated Implementation Plan of the Implementation Working Group on Renewable Fuels and Bioenergy (IWG 8) must reflect and integrate the evolving European policy landscape — including the Fit for 55 package, REPowerEU, ReFuelEU Aviation, and FuelEU Maritime initiatives — while maintaining coherence with the EU’s 2030 and 2050 climate objectives and the recently launched EU Competitiveness Compass.
SETDEPLOY directly responds to these new priorities by acting as a facilitator and enabler of the SET Plan’s objectives for renewable fuels and bioenergy.

Engaging stakeholders and strengtening collaboration

The project will reinforce and expand stakeholder networks, fostering collaboration among Member States, Associated Countries, industry actors, and research organizations. By building on the foundations laid by previous initiatives such as SET4BIO, SETDEPLOY will ensure an effective and inclusive implementation process that supports both policy alignment and technology deployment.
Through an open and participatory approach, SETDEPLOY will strengthen innovation ecosystems, mobilize expertise, and create synergies across national and regional bioenergy and renewable fuels initiatives.

Supporting deployment and monitoring progress

SETDEPLOY will provide targeted support to the update and implementation of the SET Plan Action 8 Implementation Plan. The project will identify and promote best practices, track progress, and facilitate cross-border cooperation to accelerate large-scale deployment of bioenergy and renewable fuels technologies.
By fostering innovation, monitoring performance, and engaging key actors, SETDEPLOY will contribute to a resilient, competitive, and sustainable European bioenergy and renewable fuels sector, enabling the EU to meet its climate, energy, and sustainability targets.

Objectives

Support the SET Plan Action 8 Implementation

  • Update and execute the plan on Renewable Fuels and Bioenergy
  • Ensure alignment with EU policies (Fit for 55, REPowerEU, ReFuelEU Aviation, FuelEU Maritime)

Accelerate Deployment of Renewable Fuels & Bioenergy

  • Promote large-scale technology adoption across Europe
  • Share best practices and enable cross-border cooperation
  • Drive decarbonization in hard-to-abate sectors (aviation, shipping, heavy transport)

Strengthen Collaboration & Stakeholder Alignment

  • Foster coordination among Member States, industry, and research organizations
  • Build on previous initiatives (e.g. SET4BIO) to ensure continuity and inclusiveness

Integrate New Policy & Climate Targets

  • Reflect the latest EU climate and competitiveness goals (2030 & 2050)
  • Bridge EU policy ambitions with concrete technological actions

Monitor Progress & Support Innovation

  • Track progress and assess deployment performance
  • Provide data-driven insights for decision-making
  • Strengthen innovation ecosystems and industrial competitiveness

Partners

RISE Research Institutes of Sweden AB, Sweden (Coordinator)

SINTEF – SINTEF Energi AS, Norway
EUREC – The Association of European Renewable Energy Research Centres

CIRCE – Fundación Circe Centro de Investigación de Recursos y Consumos Energetícos, Spain

CSCP – Collaborating Centre on Sustainable Consumption and Production
ETA – ETA Florence Renewable Energies, Italy

Activities

1. Collect and Monitor Data

 

The SETDEPLOY project gathers information from EU Member States and associated countries on renewable fuels and bioenergy projects. This monitoring helps track trends and progress in project development across Europe.

2. Support SET-Plan Implementation

 

SETDEPLOY interacts with members of the SET Plan IWG8 to accelerate the rollout of SET-Plan Action 8, facilitating the faster deployment of renewable fuels and bioenergy initiatives.

3. Track Progress and Reporting

 

The project monitors the progress of SET-Plan Action 8 and supports reporting efforts, providing stakeholders with up-to-date information on achievements and next steps.

4. Policy and Funding Support

 

SETDEPLOY assists stakeholders—including national authorities and project developers—by collecting information on:

 

  • Policies and regulations for renewable fuels and bioenergy
  • Relevant funding sources and financing instruments
  • Key actors in the field, including industries and universities

5. Toolbox

 

The project develops a practical, easy-to-use toolbox to help stakeholders navigate policies, funding opportunities, and best practices for the implementation of Advanced Bioenergy Projects. The toolbox is published online and regularly updated. SETDEPLOY works with Member States to test the toolbox, identifying best practices, successful projects, and useful policy or funding approaches.

8. Stakeholder Collaboration

 

SETDEPLOY interacts with relevant forums and stakeholder groups to support joint actions and share knowledge for accelerating the deployment of renewable fuels and bioenergy solutions.

Toolbox

The SETDEPLOY Toolbox is an user-friendly instrument to support the deployment of renewable fuels and bioenergy across Europe. It collects essential information on policies, strategies, funding opportunities, and key stakeholders in one central place, supporting national authorities, industry, research organisations, and project developers navigate a complex and evolving landscape.
Building on the foundations established in the SET4BIO project, the Toolbox integrates updated databases, interactive maps, and insights from ongoing European initiatives. It provides a clear overview of national policy frameworks, financing instruments, and relevant actors, while also showcasing best practices and successful projects.
Developed through co-creation workshops and continuous stakeholder feedback, the Toolbox is tailored to real user needs and aligned with the objectives of SET Plan IWG8. Its implementation includes close collaboration with Member States to ensure practical uptake and effective use. By offering structured knowledge and long-term support, the SETDEPLOY Toolbox aims to accelerate market uptake, enhance coordination across countries, and foster informed decision-making for the transition to sustainable renewable fuels and bioenergy solutions.

Results

Updates

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