CATCHER project is aimed at development of innovative technology to exploit the atmospheric humidity for direct conversion to the electricity, thus gain a new sustainable source of renewable energy and to contribute to implementing the specific priorities for strengthening the EU leadership on renewables. The successful realization of the project is assured by implementation of knowledge sharing in material science, physics, nanoelectronics, green chemistry, nanoengineering, sustainability and research marketing via international and intersectorial collaboration of highly qualified research and business from Portugal, Belgium, Austria, Spain, Poland and Ukraine. Up to date we developed the theoretical basis for the “humidity to electricity” conversion mechanism, delivered proof of the concept and elaborated the first-generation converter Prototype - advanced “humidity to electricity” converter within accomplished 2016-2019 H2020-MSCA-RISE-2015 HUNTER project; attested and further patented [PCT/UA2019/000147] in 2020. Project is targeted on advancement, optimization and scalability of a previously developed technology that converts atmospheric humidity into electrical current [up to date value of 3.6 mW/g or 1.82 mW/cm2], with an expected output power density of ~36 mW/g or [15 - 20 mW/cm2], which will be ready for scaling up, thus could be prepared for further integration with existed EU electrical system for general energy use. The proposed solution is expected to contribute to implementing the specific priorities for strengthening the EU leadership on renewables laid out in the Communication for Accelerating Clean Energy Innovation. Sharing the culture of research and innovation, the CATCHER project will allow applying recent advancements in nanotechnology science and engineering to address DIRECTIVE (EU) 2018/2001 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources, EU Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET Plan) and EU Re-thinking 2050 strategy.

A Roadmap to the realization of fusion energy was adopted by the EFDA system at the end of 2012. The roadmap aims at achieving all the necessary know-how to start the construction of a demonstration power plant (DEMO) by 2030, in order to reach the goal of fusion electricity in the grid by 2050. The roadmap has been articulated in eight different Missions. The present proposal has the goal of implementing the activities described in the Roadmap during Horizon 2020 through a joint programme of the members of the EUROfusion Consortium. ITER is the key facility in the roadmap. Thus, ITER success remains the most important overarching objective of the programme and, in the present proposal the vast majority of resources in Horizon 2020 are devoted to ensure that ITER is built within scope, time and budget; its operation is properly prepared; and a new generation of scientists and engineers is properly educated (at undergraduate and PhD level) and trained (at postdoctoral level) for its exploitation. DEMO is the only step between ITER and a commercial fusion power plant. To achieve the goal of fusion electricity demonstration by 2050, DEMO construction has to begin in the early 2030s at the latest, to allow the start of operation in the early 2040s. DEMO cannot be defined and designed by research laboratories alone, but requires the full involvement of industry in all technological and systems aspects of the design. Specific provisions for the involvement of industry in the Consortium activities are envisaged.