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

March 31, 2026 (Submission deadline, full application)

Approx. €5,000,000 per grant; total topic budget €25,000,000; typical project duration 3–5 years

Funds pre-commercial geological appraisal and pilot testing to accelerate scalable CO2 aquifer storage site development in Europe.

--- ## Description This funding opportunity supports the pre-commercial appraisal of geological storage sites for CO₂, focusing on accelerating the development of storage sites and enabling effective planning for CO₂ capture projects in Europe. The grant specifically targets activities such as site identification and appraisal, at least one injection pilot test in a deep saline aquifer, and collaboration with national authorities for site selection and data access. Projects must demonstrate legal feasibility, conduct rigorous geological risk assessments, and reliably quantify injectivity. Supported operations include data acquisition, processing, modeling, drilling, completion, logging, injectivity testing, and monitoring technologies. The call aims to unlock scalable CO₂ storage capacity, with a particular emphasis on Central, Eastern, and Southern Europe. --- ## Due Dates - March 31, 2026: Submission deadline (full application) — 17:00 Brussels time --- ## Funding Amount - Total topic budget: €25,000,000 - Indicative grant size: approximately €5,000,000 per project - Expected number of grants: 5 - Funding is provided as a lump sum under the Horizon Europe Innovation Actions (IA) scheme - Typical project duration: 3–5 years --- ## Eligibility - Proposals must be submitted by a consortium, typically including at least three independent legal entities from three different eligible countries. - Eligible countries: EU Member States and countries associated with Horizon Europe (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)). - Non-EU/Associated Country participants may join if they secure their own funding or meet specific provisions. - Projects must involve cooperation with a national competent authority for site selection and access to subsurface data. - Test sites must be deep saline aquifers (≥800 m depth), in geologically stable areas, and capable of significant, scalable storage. --- ## 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-CL5-2026-03-D3-29?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=10&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - Planned opening date: December 18, 2025 - Deadline: March 31, 2026 (17:00 Brussels time) - Proposals must adhere to page limits and layout as described in the application form (see [Annex A](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 and process 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) and [Annex 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). - 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). --- ## Additional Information - Proposals using satellite-based earth observation, positioning, or navigation data must utilize Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS services. - All supported activities must comply with the relevant EU directives and demonstrate minimal risk of leakage or environmental harm. - The grant supports all necessary technical operations and may cover subcontracted work. --- ## External Links - [Call Details & Application Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL5-2026-03-D3-29?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) - [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 Option | Details | |-----------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Funder Main Page | [European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/index_en) | | General Enquiries | [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 (for guidance) | [Find your NCP](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp) | | IT Helpdesk (Portal support) | [IT Helpdesk Contact Form](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) | | Phone | +32 2 299 11 11 |

Pre-commercial appraisal for CO2 aquifer storage - European Commission

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