Deadline Date: March 31, 2026
The European Commission is accepting grant applications to ensure more sustainable, secure and competitive energy supply through solutions for smart energy systems based on renewable energy solutions.
The initiative supports research and innovation projects that address key technological and industrial challenges, helping Europe strengthen its autonomy, research capacity, and leadership in renewable energy solutions. By targeting competitiveness-critical aspects of renewable energy technologies, these projects aim to develop technical and value chain solutions that enhance efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and market readiness.
The scope of this initiative includes tackling bottlenecks and game-changing technologies, improving material efficiency, promoting circularity and end-of-life management, and providing sustainable, low-cost feedstock. Projects are encouraged to integrate digital and AI tools, optimize production and logistics, and enhance horizontal and vertical value chains. Additionally, they should assess the benefits of domestic ownership for specific solutions and provide expert knowledge and training to support long-term competitiveness in the European context.
Finally, accelerated deployment of CCUS and carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies will provide additional tools for emission mitigation in electricity generation and industry applications. Funding for this Horizon Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) initiative is set at approximately €9 million, with around €3 million allocated for specific innovation actions.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure a more efficient, sustainable, secure, and competitive energy supply from 2026 to 2027. Activities cover renewable energy, energy systems, grids and storage, as well as carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS). It directly supports the European Strategic Plan’s key orientations, including the green transition, digital transition, and building a more resilient, competitive, inclusive, and democratic Europe. The initiative also contributes to the Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET Plan) and its implementation working groups.
Expected impacts are broad and transformative. Energy producers gain access to efficient and competitive renewable energy technologies, enabling deployment that enhances EU energy security and supports climate neutrality objectives. Technology providers benefit from resilient and sustainable value chains with strong export potential, while European industries see reinforced competitiveness in innovative renewable technologies. Researchers gain stronger collaboration networks and an enhanced scientific basis for emerging renewable technologies. Citizens benefit from more equitable, resilient, and decentralized energy markets, reduced energy poverty, and new employment and upskilling opportunities. Local communities enjoy safer, more affordable energy systems with multiple uses of land and water.
The initiative also advances digitalization and AI integration in energy systems, supporting grid flexibility, off-grid solutions, and cross-sector integration. These developments prepare the EU to meet its 2030 renewable energy target of at least 42.5% in gross final energy consumption, with an aspiration of 45%, and contribute to full decarbonization by 2050. Innovative solutions will engage consumers, including energy-poor or low-income households, building trust and encouraging adoption of new energy products and services.
Through these research and innovation efforts, Europe aims to create a cleaner, smarter, and more resilient energy system that strengthens industrial leadership, advances decarbonization, and supports sustainable growth across the continent.
For more information, visit European Commission.
