Funder: European Commission
Due Dates: December 1, 2027: Full application submission deadline (single-stage call, 17:00 Brussels time)
Funding Amounts: Total budget €17,000,000; typical grant around €8,500,000 per project; 2 projects funded; lump sum grant; project duration typically 36–48 months.
Summary: Funds demonstration projects for innovative and sustainable hydropower refurbishment technologies to modernize existing plants, improve efficiency, and address climate and environmental challenges.
Key Information: Lump sum funding model applies; proposals must include a detailed budget table and address environmental and socioeconomic sustainability.
Description
This opportunity supports large-scale demonstration projects that implement innovative hydropower technology solutions for the efficient and forward-looking refurbishment of existing hydropower plants. The focus is on advancing the operational flexibility, resilience, and environmental sustainability of hydropower, ensuring its continued contribution to a secure, stable, and climate-adapted electricity system. Projects should address technological, digital, and ecological challenges, including biodiversity, and provide comprehensive assessments of their solutions.
Expected outcomes include:
- Enhanced capacity and flexibility of the European hydropower fleet for grid stability and integration with variable renewables.
- Increased technology leadership and export potential for the European hydropower sector.
- Demonstrated approaches for climate change adaptation and long-term sustainability of hydropower operations.
