CONCAWE IVZW

Their core work

CONCAWE is the environmental research division of the European fuel manufacturers, conducting scientific studies on the health, safety, and environmental impact of refining and fuel distribution. Based in Brussels, they serve as the technical and scientific voice of the European refining industry, producing data and analysis that informs policy, regulation, and industry roadmaps. In H2020, they contributed industry expertise to road transport research strategy and large-scale green hydrogen deployment at refineries.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

CONCAWE's early H2020 involvement (2017-2020) centered on strategic transport research — defining R&I agendas, boosting European competitiveness, and fostering international cooperation through the ERTRAC platform. From 2021 onward, their focus split: they continued transport strategy work (FUTURE-HORIZON) but made a significant move into hands-on refinery decarbonisation with REFHYNE II, their largest project by far. This shift from pure strategy advisory toward industrial hydrogen deployment signals the refining sector's active pivot to low-carbon operations.

CONCAWE is moving from advisory roles in transport strategy toward active participation in industrial-scale green hydrogen and refinery decarbonisation — expect deeper engagement in clean fuels and electrolyser projects.

How they like to work

CONCAWE operates exclusively as a participant, never leading projects — consistent with their role as an industry association providing technical input rather than managing research. They work in medium-to-large consortia, having partnered with 42 organizations across 13 countries in just 3 projects. This broad network reflects their position as a sector-wide representative body that connects easily with diverse partners from academia, industry, and policy.

Despite only 3 projects, CONCAWE has built a network of 42 partners across 13 countries, reflecting the large consortia typical of coordination and innovation actions. Their Brussels base and industry-association status give them natural connections across all major EU refining and automotive countries.

What sets them apart

CONCAWE brings something rare to consortia: the consolidated scientific and technical perspective of Europe's entire refining industry. Unlike a single company or university, they represent sector-wide data, testing infrastructure, and regulatory insight. For any project addressing fossil fuel transition, clean fuels, or refinery transformation, CONCAWE offers immediate credibility and access to industry-wide adoption pathways.

Highlights from their portfolio

• REFHYNE II
  By far their largest project (EUR 464,500), deploying a 10MW PEM electrolyser at a refinery — a flagship EU green hydrogen demonstration running until 2029.
• FUTURE-HORIZON
  Connects major European transport platforms (ERTRAC, 2Zero, CCAM) to identify research gaps and procurement strategies for future mobility.