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

September 16, 2025 (opens) | February 17, 2026 (deadline)

Total budget €18,000,000; typical grant around €9,000,000; 2 projects funded

Supports innovative projects for underground thermal energy storage (UTES) in dense urban areas, with emphasis on technology, integration, monitoring, and community engagement.

Single-stage application; Horizon Innovation Action; lump sum funding

--- ## Description This funding opportunity from the European Commission under Horizon Europe aims to advance underground thermal energy storage (UTES) systems in dense urban environments. The scope includes developing novel technologies, interfaces, design methods, and organizational concepts for effective and sustainable subsurface space use. Projects should focus on integrating UTES systems (such as aquifer, borehole, or cavern thermal energy storage) with urban infrastructure, optimizing energy efficiency, and deploying demonstrators. Key areas of interest include geothermal resource utilization, subsurface modeling, integration with heat pumps and district heating, urban heat island monitoring, digital twins for system optimization, open data creation, and advanced monitoring systems. Proposals should address seasonal energy demand uncertainties, subsurface interactions, and regulatory/standardization needs. Societal engagement, including citizen involvement and consideration of social sciences and humanities (SSH), is required to enhance impact and societal acceptance. --- ## Due Dates - Call opens: September 16, 2025 - Submission deadline: February 17, 2026 (17:00 Brussels time) --- ## Funding Amount - Total budget for this topic: €18,000,000 - Expected EU contribution per project: around €9,000,000 - Number of projects to be funded: 2 - Lump sum grant; single-stage application --- ## Eligibility - Open to legal entities from EU Member States and Horizon Europe Associated Countries. - Non-EU/non-associated countries may participate if they secure their own funding, unless otherwise specified in the [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf). - Consortia must generally include at least three independent entities from three different eligible countries. - Proposals must include effective engagement with local communities and relevant SSH expertise. --- ## 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-CL5-2026-02-D3-22?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=1&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - Prepare proposals according to the guidelines in [Annex A](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2025/wp-14-general-annexes_horizon-2025_en.pdf) and the specific requirements of the call. - The application form and instructions are available in the portal’s Submission System. - Evaluation criteria and procedures are detailed in the Horizon Europe General Annexes and the [Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual). --- ## Additional Information - Projects must deploy at least one demonstrator. - Proposals may address one or more of the suggested exemplary areas, or propose alternative relevant activities. - Data generated should adhere to FAIR principles and GDPR-compliant practices. - Community engagement and inclusion of SSH disciplines are mandatory for meaningful societal impact. - Eligible costs will be reimbursed as a lump sum. --- ## External Links - [Call Details & Submission Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL5-2026-02-D3-22?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=1&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) - [Online Manual for Applicants](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) - [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) - [National Contact Points (NCPs)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp) - [FAQ](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/faq) --- ## Contact Information | 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) | ---

Underground Thermal Energy Storage in dense urban areas

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