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

March 31, 2026

€9,000,000 total; typical grant around €3,000,000; expected 3 awards

Funds research and innovation to boost the competitiveness of renewable energy technologies by addressing key value chain challenges in Europe.

--- ## Description This European Commission funding opportunity supports research and innovation projects that enhance the competitiveness and security of Europe’s clean energy system. The focus is on developing solutions for critical challenges within renewable energy technology value chains, from source to sink. Projects should address bottlenecks, breakthrough technologies, primary costs, and other factors influencing competitiveness. Areas of interest include material efficiency, circularity, repair and lifetime extension, end-of-life management, sustainable feedstock access, digital and AI tools for capacity and operation, and optimization of logistics and production pathways. Proposals should also evaluate the benefits and costs of domestic ownership of value chain solutions, where relevant. --- ## Due Dates - March 31, 2026: Full proposal submission deadline --- ## Funding Amount - Total budget: €9,000,000 - Typical grant: around €3,000,000 per project - Indicative number of grants: 3 - Lump sum funding model under Horizon Europe --- ## Eligibility - Proposals must be submitted by consortia involving organizations from eligible countries as described in [Annex B of the Horizon Europe Work Programme 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). - Both EU Member States and associated countries are eligible; some non-associated countries may participate with their own funding. - Proposals must comply with the admissibility and eligibility conditions outlined in the Horizon Europe General Annexes. - If satellite-based earth observation or navigation data are used, Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS must be utilized. --- ## Application Process - Single-stage application process. - Submission opens: December 18, 2025. - Submission deadline: March 31, 2026 (17:00 Brussels time). - Applications must follow the format and templates provided in the [Submission System](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/how-to-participate/how-to-participate/1). - Proposals will be evaluated based on criteria detailed in the General Annexes (excellence, impact, and quality/efficiency of implementation). - See the [Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) for step-by-step guidance. --- ## Additional Information - Eligible costs are reimbursed as a lump sum. - The European Commission may object to the transfer or exclusive licensing of results for up to 4 years after project completion. - For detailed guidance, consult the [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf). - Partner search tools and National Contact Points are available for consortium building. --- ## External Links - [Call Details & Application Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL5-2026-03-D3-01?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=10&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [Horizon Europe Work Programme 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) - [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf) - [Online Manual (Application Process)](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 | Service | Link / Details | |------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | European Commission Contact | [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 | [Find your NCP](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp) | | IT Helpdesk | [IT Helpdesk](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) | | Phone | +32 2 299 11 11 |

Targeting key value chain components for increasing the competitiveness of renewable energy technologies in Europe - European Commission

Sign in to see full grant listing