Thermal energy optimisation and waste heat recovery of high energy demand IT rooms in buildings or small edge data centres

Overview

Supports the development and demonstration of cost-effective thermal management and waste heat recovery solutions for high-energy IT rooms in buildings or small edge data centres (100-500 kW). Targets owners, operators, and technology providers in the ICT and building sectors aiming to improve energy efficiency and sustainability.

Who Can Apply

Consortia of legal entities established in eligible countries, including businesses, research organizations, public bodies, and other stakeholders in the ICT and building sectors.

Funding Details

Maximum funding per project: 9,400,000 EUR. Funding is provided as a lump sum.

What Is Funded

• Holistic thermal management and waste heat recovery solutions for IT rooms or small edge data centres.
• Integration with building automation and control systems, including digital twins or simulations.
• Business case development for excess heat recovery and reuse, such as integration with district heating/cooling networks or building systems.
• Demonstrators in both cold and warm climate regions to address climate-specific challenges.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

Projects must target Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 7 to 9.

Key Dates

• Open date: 2027-05-04
• Deadline: 2027-09-14

Application Process (High-Level)

Single-stage submission via the Funding & Tenders Portal. Proposals must adhere to page limits and layout requirements specified in the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes.

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 comply with Horizon Europe’s general conditions, including admissibility, eligibility, and evaluation criteria.
• Use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS data is mandatory if satellite-based services are employed.
• Synergies with related Horizon Europe projects are encouraged.
• The granting authority may object to exclusive licensing or transfer of ownership of project results for up to four years post-project.