Energy efficiency and sustainability of AI data processing in Data Centres (IA)

Overview

Funding for pilot projects and a demonstration site focused on improving energy efficiency and sustainability in AI data processing within data centres. Targets consortia developing innovative cooling, backup power, and AI workload optimization solutions to reduce energy use and carbon footprint.

Who Can Apply

Consortia of legal entities established in eligible countries, including businesses, research organizations, and public bodies. Entities directly or indirectly controlled by China are excluded.

Funding Details

• Maximum grant amount: 44,000,000 EUR (total budget for the topic).
• Expected to fund four projects: three addressing specific innovation areas and one for an open pilot demonstration site.

What Is Funded

• Innovations in direct on-chip cooling and thermal management for high-power AI chips.
• Prototypes of energy-efficient backup power systems (e.g., graphene-enhanced batteries).
• Sustainable data centre architectures, AI workload optimization, and integration of renewables.
• Materials research for energy efficiency and thermal management.
• An open pilot demonstration site for testing and showcasing project outcomes.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

• Technology Readiness Level (TRL): 4 to 6.

Key Dates

• Open date: 2026-11-16
• Deadline: 2027-03-17

Application Process (High-Level)

• Single-stage submission via the Funding & Tenders Portal.
• Evaluation based on award criteria, scoring, and thresholds outlined in the Horizon Europe Work Programme.

Post-Award Obligations

• Beneficiaries must notify the granting authority before transferring ownership or granting exclusive licences of project results.
• Synergies with related Horizon Europe projects are encouraged.

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 at least two use cases to showcase results (for expected outcomes 1-3).
• The granting authority may object to ownership transfers or exclusive licensing up to four years after project completion.
• Restrictions apply to entities controlled by China or subject to network protection measures.