AI and Industrial Permitting in Europe: The Net-Zero AI4Permitting Call Explained

The European Commission is funding AI-driven solutions to modernise industrial permitting across Europe’s Net-Zero Acceleration Valleys. The Net-Zero AI4Permitting call for proposals (PPPA-2026-NETZERO) is now open, targeting local authorities responsible for granting permits in strategic clean technology regions.

What is the Net-Zero AI4Permitting call?

The Net-Zero AI4Permitting call is a European Commission funding opportunity under the Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA). It supports local permitting authorities in Net-Zero Acceleration Valleys, specifically those located within coal regions, to procure or develop AI-based systems that streamline industrial permitting procedures.

Industrial permitting covers a wide range of authorisations required for compliance with environmental, safety and operational standards. These include Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) permits for pollution management, and construction and operational permits.

Why is this call needed?

Permitting is one of the most significant bottlenecks to industrial deployment in Europe. For 60% of companies, the permit granting process takes between one and six years. Each project typically involves between five and ten different authorities, operating across 16 overlapping EU legislative frameworks. These delays slow down the deployment of net-zero technologies and undermine Europe’s competitiveness and energy security goals.

What does the call fund?

The call funds the procurement or development of AI-based solutions, or in exceptional cases other digital technologies, to help permitting authorities automate routine tasks, improve transparency, enable better tracking of deadlines and processes, and free up staff for higher-value strategic decision-making. Activities in scope include system analysis, deployment of digital tools, staff training, development of user-centric front office systems and cross-border cooperation to share best practices and enable replication in other regions.

Who can apply?

The call is aimed at local authorities involved in industrial permitting procedures within Net-Zero Acceleration Valleys in coal regions across the EU. Up to four projects will be funded, with grants ranging from €1.5 million to €2.4 million per project. Project duration is 24 to 30 months, starting from January 2027.

Key deadlines

The application deadline is 3 June 2026.

➡️ Link to call

Info Session

EISMEA organised an online informative webinar on this call for proposals on 13 April 2026. In case you missed it, you can check the recording below:

More information including the presentations & session materials are available here. 

Más información: European Cluster Collaboration Platform