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

September 2, 2025 (single-stage application)

~€10,000,000 per project | Total call budget: €20,000,000 | 2 projects expected to be funded

Funding for innovative, cost-effective, and socially responsible approaches to geothermal resource development under Horizon Europe.

At least one project each for shallow and deep geothermal will be selected, if quality thresholds are met.

--- ## Description This Horizon Europe call funds demonstration projects that advance innovative methods for developing geothermal resources, targeting both shallow (0–500m, <150ºC) and deep (>500m, >150ºC) geothermal systems. The goal is to accelerate the deployment of geothermal energy by reducing costs and risks, improving performance, and ensuring alignment with societal values. Projects may focus on subsurface engineering, well design, drilling, completion, reservoir characterization, and development planning. Emphasis is placed on integrating novel technologies, such as robotics, AI-based simulation, advanced drilling methods and fluids, new materials, innovative well architecture, enhanced production pumps, and digital monitoring systems. Proposals must also address environmental impact assessment, societal engagement, and the involvement of social sciences and humanities experts to maximize societal acceptance and impact. A clear “go/no-go” milestone is required before the demonstration phase, including detailed engineering plans, techno-economic assessment, and all necessary permits. --- ## Due Dates - Opening date: May 6, 2025 - Application deadline: September 2, 2025, 17:00 Brussels time (single-stage) --- ## Funding Amount - Indicative budget for the topic: €20,000,000 - Expected contribution per project: approximately €10,000,000 - Number of projects to be funded: 2 --- ## Eligibility - Proposals must be submitted by a consortium, typically including at least three legal entities from three different EU Member States or Associated Countries. - Eligible countries are listed in [Annex B of the Horizon Europe Work Programme](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2025/wp-14-general-annexes_horizon-2025_en.pdf). - Non-EU/non-Associated Countries may participate under specific provisions (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 include effective contributions from social sciences and humanities (SSH) disciplines and experts. --- ## Application Process - Submission is via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL5-2025-02-D3-03?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=8&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - Single-stage application process. - Use the [standard application form (HE RIA, IA)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/temp-form/af/af_he-ria-ia_en.pdf). - Proposals must adhere to page limits and layout as described in the application form and [General Annexes](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2025/wp-14-general-annexes_horizon-2025_en.pdf). - A “go/no-go” milestone must be clearly defined in the work plan. --- ## Additional Information - At least one project addressing shallow geothermal (0–500 m, <150ºC) and one project addressing deep geothermal (>500 m, >150ºC) will be funded, provided proposals meet all quality thresholds. - Projects addressing both shallow and deep geothermal are also eligible. - Projects should follow FAIR data principles and comply with relevant data standards and GDPR requirements. - Environmental impact assessment and societal engagement are mandatory components. --- ## External Links - [Full call details and application portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL5-2025-02-D3-03?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=8&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 2025](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2025/wp-14-general-annexes_horizon-2025_en.pdf) - [HE Main Work Programme 2025 – Climate, Energy and Mobility](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2025/wp-8-climate-energy-and-mobility_horizon-2025_en.pdf) - [Online Manual for Applicants](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) - [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) |

Novel approaches to geothermal resources development

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