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

December 1, 2027

Approx. €8,500,000 per project; total topic budget €17,000,000; award duration typically 3–5 years.

Funds demonstration projects to modernise and refurbish existing hydropower plants for improved efficiency, sustainability, and climate resilience.

--- ## Description This European Commission grant, under Horizon Europe (HORIZON-CL5-2027-07-D3-11), supports demonstration projects focused on innovative hydropower technology solutions for the efficient and forward-looking refurbishment of existing hydropower plants. Funded projects are expected to deliver socioeconomically and environmentally sustainable outcomes, including biodiversity considerations and comprehensive impact assessments. Potential project topics include: - Advanced turbine and generator designs for future load cycles and extended lifetimes - Digitalisation and AI for enhanced instrumentation, control, and operational strategies to reduce maintenance costs - Use of new materials to improve equipment efficiency, resilience, and lifespan (e.g., low-GHG concrete, PFAS-free components) - Automated maintenance solutions for cost and hazard reduction - Improved water management and simulation tools for climate adaptation and risk mitigation - Techniques for ecological requirements (e.g., fish migration, sediment dynamics) while enhancing infrastructure durability and safety The aim is to enhance the flexibility, sustainability, and technological leadership of the European hydropower sector, supporting the EU's transition to a renewables-based electricity system. --- ## Due Dates - December 1, 2027: Full application submission deadline (single-stage), 17:00 Brussels time --- ## Funding Amount - Total topic budget: €17,000,000 - Indicative grant size: Around €8,500,000 per project - Number of grants: 2 expected - Funding type: Lump sum grant (HORIZON Innovation Actions) - Typical project duration: 3–5 years --- ## Eligibility - Open to legal entities from EU Member States and Horizon Europe Associated Countries (see [Annex B](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) for full list) - Proposals must be submitted by a consortium (typically at least 3 independent entities from different eligible countries) - Additional eligibility for non-EU/non-Associated Countries may apply 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)) - Proposals must address the full scope, including sustainability and biodiversity - If using satellite-based data/services, Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS must be used --- ## Application Process - Single-stage submission via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL5-2027-07-D3-11?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=1&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - Application window opens August 4, 2027; deadline December 1, 2027 (17:00 Brussels time) - Proposals must follow the page limits and layout as described in [Annex A and E](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) - Evaluation criteria, scoring, and process detailed in [Annex D & F](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) - Proposals are submitted online; templates and guidance are available: - [Application form template](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/temp-form/af/af_he-ria-ia_en.pdf) - [Evaluation form](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/temp-form/ef/ef_he-ria-ia_en.pdf) - [Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) - Lump sum funding model applies; see [lump sum guidance](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/ls-funding-what-do-i-need-to-know_he_en.pdf) --- ## Additional Information - Projects must ensure ecological requirements (e.g., fish migration, biodiversity, sediment management) are addressed. - The granting authority may object to transfer or exclusive licensing of results up to 4 years after project completion. - For further rules, see the [Horizon Europe General Annexes](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). --- ## External Links - [Call Details and Application Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL5-2027-07-D3-11?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=1&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) - [General Annexes 2026-2027](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) - [Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) - [Partner Search Tool](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/how-to-participate/partner-search?order=DESC&pageNumber=1&pageSize=50&sortBy=lastModified&isExactMatch=true&type=ORGANISATION,PERSON&frameworkProgramme=43108390) --- ## Contact Information | Contact Type | Details | |-----------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Enquiries | [European Commission Contact](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) | | IT Helpdesk | [Portal IT Helpdesk](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) | | Phone | +32 2 299 11 11 |

Demonstration of hydropower technologies for efficient and forward-looking refurbishment of existing hydropower plants - European Commission

Sign in to see full grant listing