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

March 31, 2027: Full application submission deadline

€20,000,000 total; typical project grant around €10,000,000; 2 grants expected

Funds large-scale validation and upscaling of advanced (Generative) AI tools for digital energy systems, with focus on grid operations, consumer empowerment, and integration with EU digital infrastructure.

--- ## Description This grant opportunity, under Horizon Europe, supports projects that aim to validate and scale state-of-the-art (Generative) AI tools and models for next-generation digital energy systems. The focus is on developing advanced, secure, and efficient AI solutions for real-time grid and market operations, as well as consumer empowerment in distributed energy environments. Projects should demonstrate integration with upgraded digital energy system infrastructures—such as digital twins and energy-saving consumer apps—and emphasize edge and federated machine learning using agent-based architectures. Deliverables must align with European standards, promote AI adoption and competitiveness in line with EU policy, and contribute to the digitalisation of the energy sector. Collaboration with open-source communities and participation in the BRIDGE initiative are encouraged. --- ## Due Dates - March 31, 2027: Full application submission deadline (by 17:00 Brussels time) --- ## Funding Amount - Total budget: €20,000,000 - Typical grant size: Around €10,000,000 per project - Number of grants expected: 2 - Funding type: Horizon Innovation Action (HORIZON-IA) grant --- ## Eligibility - Proposals must be submitted by consortia including at least three independent legal entities, each established in a different EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country. - Entities established in eligible countries but directly or indirectly controlled by China (or legal entities established in China) are **not eligible**. - Non-EU/non-Associated Countries may participate if they have made specific provisions for funding (see the [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf)). - Proposals must comply with restrictions on critical technology areas and, if using satellite-based data/services, must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS. - Applicants must demonstrate financial and operational capacity. --- ## Application Process - Single-stage application: submit a full proposal by the deadline. - Proposals must follow the page limits and layout described in Part B of the Application Form (see [template](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/temp-form/af/af_he-ria-ia_en.pdf)). - Applications are submitted via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL5-2027-02-D3-24?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=4&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - Evaluation criteria, scoring, and thresholds 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). - Further guidance is available in the [Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) and [Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf). --- ## Additional Information - Projects are expected to be compatible with the Common European Energy Data Space and to use/develop European standards. - Participation in the BRIDGE initiative is expected. - Deliverables should promote sustainability, energy/resource efficiency, and be aligned with EU digitalisation and competitiveness strategies. - The granting authority may object to transfer of ownership or exclusive licensing of results for up to 4 years after project completion. --- ## External Links - [Call details and application portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL5-2027-02-D3-24?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=4&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) - [Application form template](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/temp-form/af/af_he-ria-ia_en.pdf) - [Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) - [BRIDGE Initiative](https://bridge-smart-grid-storage-systems-digital-projects.ec.europa.eu/) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |-----------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Enquiries | [European Commission Contact Page](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) | ---

Large scale operational validation and upscaling of state-of-the-art (Generative) AI tools and models powering a next generation digital energy system - European Commission

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