EU Signs Grant Agreement to Advance Sustainable Energy in Defence Sector

Officials from the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Energy and the European Defence Agency (EDA) have signed a landmark grant agreement to enhance energy sustainability within the defence and security sector. The agreement, finalized at a ceremony on December 11, 2024, launches Phase 4 of the Consultation Forum for Sustainable Energy in the Defence and Security Sector (2024–2028).

This initiative aims to accelerate decarbonisation efforts in the energy-intensive defence sector, which accounts for up to 5.5% of global CO2 emissions. The grant agreement emphasizes increasing energy efficiency, resilience, and reliance on renewable energy within the sector, while fostering deeper civil-military cooperation on sustainable energy and crisis preparedness.

Key Stakeholders and Goals

The signing ceremony featured representatives from both organizations:

• European Commission: Mr. Alejandro Ulzurrun, Acting Director for Just Transition, Consumers, Energy Efficiency and Innovation.
• European Defence Agency: Ms. Nathalie Guichard, Director for Research, Technology and Innovation.

The agreement underscores the defence sector’s pivotal role in the EU’s clean energy transition and climate ambitions. The Consultation Forum, active for nearly a decade, has supported EU Ministries of Defence in adopting energy-efficient and sustainable models, aligning with broader EU priorities for 2024–2029.

Strategic Context

The EU’s new Commission mandate for 2024–2029 highlights sustainable prosperity, affordable energy, and competitiveness as central themes, with defence and security identified as key focus areas. By addressing security and defence challenges, the EU aims to simultaneously bolster preparedness and crisis management capabilities within the framework of the clean energy transition.

About the Forum

The Consultation Forum for Sustainable Energy in the Defence and Security Sector operates under the EU’s LIFE Clean Energy Transition sub-programme, managed by the European Defence Agency. The Forum is instrumental in aligning defence energy policies with the EU’s climate goals, driving innovation in energy efficiency, and ensuring resilience in the defence sector.

This agreement marks a significant step toward integrating sustainability into European defence strategies, paving the way for a greener and more secure future.