Radical new research results launched by InnoEnergy, Europe’s sustainable energy engine supported by the EIT, reveals that EU citizens are set to pocket Euro 183 billion by adopting innovative smog-reduction technologies over the next seven years.

The report, entitled Clean Air Challenge and produced in conjunction with Deloitte, comes in response to the European Commission’s findings that smog may account for as many as 1 in every 10 premature deaths in the world, and will cost the EU an Euro 475bn between 2018 and 2025. That represents 2.9 per cent of average annual GDP.

Launched at an event with leading politicians and policymakers in Brussels, the report takes an in-depth look at the issue of air quality across the continent – highlighting concrete, innovative transport and heating solutions to protect European citizens from pollution and its impact on health.

Speaking at the event, Jerzy Buzek, Chair of the European Parliament Industry, Research and Energy Committee and former President of the European Parliament, says: “Smog is one of the most critical public health concerns of the century, accounting for as many as one in every ten premature deaths in the world – and over 400,000 premature deaths in Europe every year. «The Clean Air Challenge» report offers practical solutions that could help improve our citizens’ health and that could benefit the whole society. We must start implementing it throughout the EU without any delay.”