Demonstration of hydropower technologies for efficient and forward-looking refurbishment of existing hydropower plants

Overview

Funding for the demonstration of innovative hydropower technologies aimed at modernizing and refurbishing existing hydropower plants to enhance flexibility, sustainability, and resilience in Europe’s renewable energy system. Targets industry, research institutions, and consortia developing solutions for improved efficiency, climate adaptation, and environmental compatibility.

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants include legal entities (e.g., businesses, research organizations, public bodies) from EU Member States, Horizon Europe Associated Countries, and select third countries with specific funding provisions. Consortia are expected, particularly those involving industry and research partners.

Funding Details

Maximum grant amount: 10,000,000 EUR per project. Funding is provided as a lump sum, with eligible costs determined by the Horizon Europe lump sum model.

What Is Funded

Projects must demonstrate hydropower technologies for refurbishing existing plants, focusing on:

• Innovative turbine and generator designs, including life extension and resilience to future load cycles.
• Digitalization, AI-driven controls, and operational strategies to reduce O&M costs.
• Climate adaptation measures, including simulation tools for extreme weather events and integrated risk analysis.
• Sustainable materials (e.g., low-GHG concrete, PFAS-free alternatives) and automated maintenance solutions.
• Biodiversity-compliant water management, sediment dynamics, and fish migration solutions.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

Proposals must target Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 4 to 6, demonstrating validated prototypes or pilot-scale solutions in relevant environments.

Key Dates

• Open date: 2027-08-03
• Deadline: 2027-11-30T23:00:00Z

Application Process (High-Level)

Single-stage submission via the Horizon Europe Funding & Tenders Portal. Proposals must adhere to page limits and templates outlined in the call documentation.

Post-Award Obligations

• Use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS data if satellite-based services are employed.
• Compliance with Horizon Europe reporting requirements, including financial and technical progress.
• Potential restrictions on ownership transfer or exclusive licensing of project results for up to four years post-project.

Geographic Scope & Language

Eligible countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, United Kingdom, Switzerland. Application language: English.

Notes

• Projects must include a socioeconomic and environmental sustainability assessment, including biodiversity impacts.
• Preference for solutions addressing climate change adaptation and long-term operational stability.
• Proposals must align with Horizon Europe’s lump sum funding rules, with costs pre-defined in the application.