Open Call for Next Generation of Renewable Energy Technologies

The focus areas and expected outcomes of this opportunity include breakthrough and game changing renewable energy technologies enabling a faster transition to a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions EU economy by 2050, measures, knowledge and data demonstrating that the technology has a minimal environmental impact notably on biodiversity and pollution, has gained citizens’ trust, is economically viable and benefits from a multi-level policy support, and establishing a solid long term dependable European innovation base. The call targets high-risk and high return technology developments for game changing renewable energy technologies. Proposals may cover catalyst development, renewable energy storage systems, integration of renewable energy technologies into a single energy generation system, hybrid renewable energy systems, heating and cooling systems, fuels production systems, direct solar fuels and solar driven chemical processes, hybrid electricity generation solutions between different renewable energy sources, and direct utilization of renewable energy sources.

The scope excludes hydrogen production through electrolysers, fuel cells, basic material research, and batteries, as these fall under other partnerships or calls. Proposals are expected to establish technological feasibility through a robust research methodology at least at Technology Readiness Level 4 and at most at Technology Readiness Level 5, based on either new solutions or improvements of existing high-risk and high return solutions. The total indicative budget for this call is EUR 23.5 million under HORIZON-CL5-2026-04-Two-Stage-D3-02, with contributions of around EUR 4 million per project.

Projects are encouraged to consider technology transfer from sectors other than energy where relevant, and for bioenergy or biofuel concepts, resource availability and treatment of biogenic waste must be considered from the design stage. Proposals should address lower environmental impact, minimised impacts on biodiversity and protected species and habitats, reduced pollution, and better resource efficiency in terms of materials, geographical footprint and water use, including mitigation measures where risks are identified.

Applicants are expected to present comparisons with current commercial renewable energy technologies to demonstrate advantages in economic performance, environmental impact, energy security, competitiveness and industrial independence. Selected projects should also consider social acceptance, trust-building, local involvement and just transition aspects, including gender, cultural and socio-economic factors, alongside analysis of inclusive, adaptive and context-sensitive policy approaches to support future deployment.

For more information, visit European Commission.