R&I in Support of the Clean Industrial Deal: Clean Technologies for Climate Action

Overview

Funding for large-scale research and innovation projects that advance clean technologies to near-market readiness, supporting the EU’s Clean Industrial Deal. Targets consortia developing integrated net-zero energy systems, zero-emission power technologies, or storage and renewable fuel solutions with demonstrated industrial leadership and scalability.

Who Can Apply

Consortia of clean tech suppliers, energy users (e.g., manufacturing, energy, transport sectors), and other stakeholders, including SMEs. Industry-driven partnerships with a manageable number of participants (indicatively ≤10) are required, with consortium size justified by the value chain covered.

Funding Details

• Maximum grant amount: €25,000,000 per project.
• Total budget: Not specified.
• Co-funding: Not explicitly stated, but proposals must demonstrate a credible pathway to market deployment and private/public investment.

What Is Funded

Focus areas: 1. Integrated net-zero emissions energy systems (e.g., grids, networks). 2. Enhanced zero-emission power technologies (e.g., renewable electricity, heat). 3. Storage technologies, renewable fuels, and carbon capture/utilisation (CCU) (e.g., batteries, renewable hydrogen, advanced biofuels).

Projects must:

• Strengthen competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience of clean tech solutions by improving circular material use and reducing levelized cost of energy (LCOE).
• Demonstrate industrial decarbonisation impact, GHG emissions reduction, and alignment with the Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA).
• Avoid technologies with negative biodiversity impacts.
• Include a business plan, market-readiness strategy, and go/no-go milestone before demonstration.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

• Technology Readiness Level (TRL): 7–9 (system prototype demonstration to system completion and operational readiness).

Key Dates

• Open date: 2025-12-17T23:00:00Z.
• Deadline: 2026-09-14T22:00:00Z.

Application Process (High-Level)

• Single-stage submission via the Funding & Tenders Portal.
• Part B of the application form is extended to 60 pages to accommodate the business plan and market-readiness strategy.

Post-Award Obligations

• Dissemination, exploitation, and communication plans, including a business plan and market-readiness strategy.
• Synergies with related EU-funded projects (e.g., Clean Hydrogen Joint Undertaking, Clean Energy Transition Partnership).
• Potential transfer of ownership or exclusive licensing restrictions for up to 4 years post-project.

Geographic Scope & Language

• Eligible countries: EU Member States, Horizon Europe Associated Countries (Norway, Iceland, UK, Switzerland), and select non-associated countries with specific funding provisions.
• Application language: English.

Notes

• Projects must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS for satellite-based data if applicable.
• At least one project per technology area will be funded to ensure portfolio balance.
• NZIA sourcing rules apply: ≥50% of critical components must be sourced from the EU or Associated Countries unless justified otherwise.
• Proposals must include a detailed engineering plan, techno-economic assessment, permits, and industrial deployment partners before the go/no-go milestone.