R&I in Support of the Clean Industrial Deal: Decarbonisation of energy intensive industries (IA) (Processes4Planet and Clean Steel partnerships)

Overview

Supports large-scale demonstration and optimization of innovative technologies to decarbonize energy-intensive industries, focusing on carbon cycle management, clean energy integration, and circularity. Targets industry-driven consortia with market-ready solutions at high technology readiness levels.

Who Can Apply

Consortia led by industrial partners, including SMEs, research organizations, and other stakeholders from eligible countries. Projects must demonstrate industry leadership and a clear path to commercial deployment.

Funding Details

• Maximum grant amount: €25,000,000 per project.
• Total budget: Not specified.
• Funding rate: Not specified (likely aligns with Horizon Europe Innovation Action rates).

What Is Funded

• Carbon cycle management (CCU/CCUS): Optimization and demonstration of CO₂/CO capture, utilization, or storage with a 30% reduction in energy input per ton of CO₂/CO compared to current technologies.
• Clean energy usage: Electrification, decarbonated production, integration of hydrogen or other clean energy carriers, on-site renewable energy storage, and waste heat utilization.
• Circularity and resource efficiency: 30% improvement in material, energy, and water efficiency by 2035, with commercially viable solutions for converting industrial side-streams or waste into new feedstock.
• Advanced materials and processes: Safe and sustainable materials and processes may be included if relevant to the selected technology area.

Projects must address one primary area but may integrate multiple areas if innovative and leading to low-carbon solutions.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

• Technology Readiness Level (TRL): 7–9 (system prototype demonstration in operational environment to actual system proven in operational environment).

Key Dates

• Open date: 2025-12-17
• Deadline: 2026-09-14

Application Process (High-Level)

• Single-stage submission via the Funding & Tenders Portal.
• Proposals must include a detailed engineering plan, techno-economic assessment, permits for the demonstrator, a business plan, and a market-readiness strategy.
• A go/no-go moment is required before contracting and demonstration.

Post-Award Obligations

• Development of a dissemination, exploitation, and communication plan, including a business plan and market-readiness strategy.
• Synergies and coordination with related projects under Processes4Planet, Clean Steel, and other EU partnerships.
• Reporting on progress toward decarbonization, commercial viability, and market deployment.

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

• Proposals must justify technology choices both technically and commercially.
• Consortia size should be small and manageable, with industry leadership and SME participation encouraged.
• Projects must demonstrate a clear pathway to obtaining all necessary permits for the demonstration phase.
• The granting authority may object to transfers of ownership or exclusive licensing of results for up to 4 years post-project.