Net-Zero AI4Permitting

Expected Impact:

Individual Level:

The grants should lead to a documented, significant, and measurable increase in the permitting management capacity of the beneficiary authority.

Project Level:

• Achieve a significant acceleration of the impacted permitting processes for beneficiaries.
• Deploy state-of-the-art software solutions for most impacted authorities in in net- zero acceleration valleys.

Scope:

The call for proposals is aimed at local authorities involved in industrial permitting procedures. These procedures typically encompass a range of permits necessary for ensuring compliance with environmental, safety, and operational standards. Examples include Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) for projects with potential environmental effects, Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) permits for pollution management, and various construction and operational permits. The direct award will focus on supporting local authorities located in net-zero acceleration valleys within coal regions, as outlined in the Net Zero Industry Act.

The primary objective is to enhance the administrative capabilities of local permitting authorities in managing permitting requests. This will be achieved by supporting the procurement or development of AI-based systems, or, in exceptional cases, systems based on other digital technologies, to meet the new streamlined permitting requirements under the Net-Zero Industry Act.

Specific acitivities to be funded are:

• Procurement of AI-Based Software Solutions: Acquisition of AI-based software to support one or more elements of the permitting procedure.
• Extension of Existing IT Solutions: Enhancement of current non-AI permitting IT solutions with AI capabilities to bolster back-office capacities.
• Procurement or Development of Non-AI IT Solutions: Acquisition or development of dedicated non-AI IT solutions to support parts or the entirety of the permitting process for public authorities.
• Deployment-Related Activities: Activities related to the deployment of procured systems, including training, integration with other IT systems, and more.