Innovative technologies and solutions to improve wave and tidal energy systems
Funding for the development and demonstration of innovative wave and tidal energy technologies, focusing on efficiency, cost reduction, reliability, and sustainability. Targets consortia of research organizations, industry, SMEs, and startups to advance ocean energy systems toward commercialization.
Details
Agency
EU Commission
Status
Open
Language
English
Funding Type
Grant
Funding Amount
Up to 43.0M €
Deadline
2027-03-31
Open Date
2026-12-03
Overview
Funding for the development and demonstration of innovative wave and tidal energy technologies, focusing on efficiency, cost reduction, reliability, and sustainability. Targets consortia of research organizations, industry, SMEs, and startups to advance ocean energy systems toward commercialization.Who Can Apply
Consortia of legal entities (e.g., research organizations, academia, SMEs, startups, industry) from eligible countries. Proposals must include a core consortium managing the project and financial support to third parties (FSTP) for additional R&I activities.Funding Details
- Total budget: Up to €43,000,000.
- Funding rate: Not specified (standard Horizon Europe rules apply).
- Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP): Up to €9,000,000 (€3M for breakthrough, €6M for validation) allocated via competitive calls.
- Demonstration challenge: Up to €24,000,000 for core consortium activities.
What Is Funded
- Development and demonstration of innovative wave and tidal energy devices in controlled environments (e.g., test rigs, tanks, instrumented sites).
- Sustainable materials, mooring systems, and electrical/hydraulic power transmission solutions.
- Condition monitoring, predictive maintenance, and AI applications for ocean energy.
- Advanced manufacturing, installation, maintenance, and decommissioning technologies.
- Activities aligned with SET Plan priorities, including efficiency, cost reduction, reliability, and environmental sustainability.
Technology / Maturity Requirements
- TRL range: 7–9 (system prototype demonstration in operational environment to actual system proven in operational conditions).
- Demonstration activities must include a go/no-go milestone with permits, engineering plans, and financial close.
Key Dates
- Open date: 2026-12-02.
- Deadline: 2027-03-30.
Application Process (High-Level)
- Single-stage submission via the Funding & Tenders Portal.
- Proposals must detail core consortium activities and FSTP call plans, including governance, evaluation criteria, and timelines.
- Page limit: 60 pages.
Post-Award Obligations
- Annual progress reports using SET Plan KPIs and stage-gate metrics.
- Advisory Board reviews and alignment with SET Plan activities.
- Dissemination of results to the European R&D community and contribution to the Clean Energy Transition Partnership.
- Risk and mitigation plan, including contingency for failed demonstration milestones.
Geographic Scope & Language
- Eligible countries: EU Member States, Horizon Europe Associated Countries (Norway, Iceland, UK, Switzerland), and select non-associated countries with specific provisions.
- Language: English.
Notes
- Proposals must include at least three distinct demonstration activities with clear differentiation.
- FSTP calls must ensure broad EU geographical balance and attract new partners (e.g., SMEs, academia).
- Use of Copernicus/Galileo data required if satellite-based services are employed.
- Proven experience in managing large projects and FSTP schemes is mandatory for core consortium members.