[European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/index_en)

March 31, 2026 (Submission deadline)

~€6,000,000 per project; 2 projects expected to be funded

Funds AI and machine learning solutions to optimize energy sharing, grid balancing, and societal readiness for active consumer participation in decentralized energy systems.

--- ## Description This grant supports the development and testing of AI-driven forecasting algorithms and machine learning tools to optimize collective self-consumption through energy sharing for communities and citizens. It focuses on upscaling AI solutions for grid balancing and forecasting, enabling consumer and community participation in distributed energy systems. The initiative prioritizes advanced analysis of social interactions (e.g., game-theoretic modeling) to highlight the role of active consumers and communities, and aims to deepen understanding of the needs and concerns of diverse social groups involved in, or affected by, the research and innovation process. Interdisciplinary approaches are encouraged to ensure research is responsive to societal needs, with an emphasis on the socio-technological interface and building trust in outcomes. Projects are required to contribute to the BRIDGE initiative and actively participate in its activities. --- ## Due Dates - March 31, 2026: Submission deadline (Deadline date for full proposal) --- ## Funding Amount - Indicative budget for this topic: €12,000,000 - Expected grants: 2 - Typical grant size: around €6,000,000 per project - Lump sum funding model (HORIZON Innovation Actions) --- ## Eligibility - Open to legal entities established in EU Member States and Horizon Europe Associated Countries. - Some non-EU/non-Associated Countries may be eligible if specific provisions are made (see [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf)). - Restriction: Entities established in an eligible country but directly or indirectly controlled by China (or by a legal entity established in China) are not eligible to participate. - Proposals must involve relevant Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) expertise within the consortium to support societal readiness. - All applicants must demonstrate financial and operational capacity as per Horizon Europe rules. --- ## Application Process - Single-stage submission process. - Proposals must follow the Societal Readiness pilot instructions as described in the Horizon Europe Main Work Programme 2026-2027. - Applications must be submitted through the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL5-2026-03-D3-22?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=10&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - Proposal page limits and layout are described in Part B of the Application Form in the Submission System. - Refer to the [Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) for step-by-step procedures. - Evaluation criteria and award processes are detailed in [Annex D](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf). --- ## Additional Information - This is a Societal-Readiness pilot: projects must address societal needs and concerns, especially at the socio-technological interface. - Use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS is required for satellite-based data if applicable. - Results from funded projects may be subject to EU objection to transfer or exclusive licensing up to 4 years after project end. - Projects are expected to contribute to the [BRIDGE initiative](https://bridge-smart-grid-storage-systems-digital-projects.ec.europa.eu/). --- ## External Links - [EU Funding & Tenders Portal – Topic Details](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL5-2026-03-D3-22?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=10&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf) - [BRIDGE Initiative](https://bridge-smart-grid-storage-systems-digital-projects.ec.europa.eu/) - [Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) - [National Contact Points](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |--------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General EC Contact | +32 2 299 11 11 | | EC Contact Page | [Contact the European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Research Enquiry Service | [Research Enquiry Service](https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/contact-us/research-enquiry-service_en) | | National Contact Points | [Find your NCP](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp) |

AI-driven forecasting algorithms for Grid and Consumer friendly Energy Sharing – Societal Readiness pilot - European Commission

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