FLAMINGo will propose a novel industrial manufacturing route for the efficient production of high performance lightweight Aluminum composite materials thanks to a novel metallurgical and forming combined approach for making automotive parts. The intensification of use of the Aluminium composites will be driven mainly by the battery-electric vehicle (BEV) technology that are forcing automakers to look for innovative ways to lightweight the vehicles. The goals of FLAMINGo will be related to the manufacturing of a strengthened Aluminium Metal Matrix Composites Al-MMC with elevated properties (+200% strength and +30% stiffness) compared to current Al alloys used in automotive. FLAMINGo will provide engineering solutions to substitute steel components in BEV automotive parts and achieve a substantial reduction of weight (up to 20%). To reach these goals the project will target the following development steps at prototype and full scale: # The production of nanoparticles concentrated masterbatches of Al-MMC, via solid state mechanical alloying, to assure a complete dispersion of the nanoparticles in the Al metal before inoculation in the melt # Casting of Al-MMC components by inoculating the masterbatch in an Al melt, and homogenized by ultrasonication and electromagnetic stirring systems # Production of smaller components (brackets and connectors) by Low Pressure Die Casting LPDC and bigger components, like subframes, by Green Sand Casting to demonstrate broader feasibility and applicability of Al-MMC. # Extrusion of cast billets for making profiles for the body frame # Identification of the welding techniques for joining Al-MMC components, and assessment of the application via TIG, GTAW and RSW. # Use of these components for substitution of steels and aluminium parts in electric vehicles, validation of components estimated service life and installation on vehicles. # Recycling of Al-MMC components supported also by the use of secondary aluminium in the formulation

Building on the insights of the recently finalized AURES project, AURES II investigates auction design options in more detail to determine their policy performance depending on different of policy objectives and give recommendations on their use. We apply a multi-methodological approach, including literature review, theoretical analysis, case studies, surveys, and empirical and quantitative methods such as econometric analysis and model simulations. The project expands the empirical base created in AURES in several directions. It continues the monitoring of ongoing and planned auction schemes. Case studies will now be complemented by a comprehensive online auction database, and quantitative analysis of how auction design features affect auction performance. The effects of auctions are further explored in two directions: (i) Developments in RES sector value chains and innovation processes in reaction to auctions, and (ii) Changes in financing patterns of RES projects in reaction to certain auction design specifications. AURES II will inform currently ongoing auction-related policy debates: (i) Challenges of cross-border openings of auctions; (ii) the question of technology-neutrality, i.e. of combining two or more RES-E technologies in one auction; and (iii) future challenges, including the necessity for and requirements towards auctions due to changing electricity markets, generation patterns, and other framework conditions such as actor diversity. The multi-methodological approach is accompanied by a strong involvement of relevant stakeholders including policy makers and industry representatives. The project builds upon and expands the strong network from AURES, allowing policy makers and industry to exchange expectations, experiences and ideas. This active dialogue allows stakeholder to learn from best practice and facilitates capacity building across borders in Europe. AURES II contributes to the EC’s communication activities in the area of RES auction design.

Sustainability and the transition to a low-carbon, more resource-efficient and circular economy are key in ensuring the long-term competitiveness of the European Union (EU) economy. Sustainability has long been at the heart of the European Union project and the EU Treaties give recognition to its social and environmental dimensions. Advanced industrial technologies are at the heart of the Industrial Revolution, shaping the future of production and value chains. It opens opportunities for companies to shape a new wave of economic growth. More than 75 percent of European Industrial SMEs indicate that the main barrier for the implementation of Advanced Technologies is the lack of financial resources and access to considerable investment opportunities. The STAGE project will create the sustainability transition ecosystem, train Sustainability Advisors and provide high-quality innovation and sustainability assessment, decentralised training courses and innovation support and sustainability transition services to more than 2000 European industrial SMEs during the project duration, transforming them into the agile and green enterprises, competitive and sustainable leaders of the European industrial economy. STAGE will achieve the Grant Amount Multiplier of 100x with Private Finance during the project.