Deadline Date: March 31, 2026
The European Commission (EC) is requesting grant applications to enhance energy security, reduce reliance on fossil-based backup systems, and support the transition to a resilient, sustainable, and cost-effective energy system across Europe.
The initiative aims to develop cost-efficient, robust, and sustainable energy storage technologies that can operate independently of the main grid while maintaining high reliability and performance. Proposed solutions should address challenges specific to off-grid contexts, including storage scale, resilience to material shortages, multi-energy needs, and seamless integration for real-world critical infrastructures. Projects are expected to ensure operational efficiency both on-grid and off-grid and account for interdependencies and system redundancy where relevant.
Funding for these Horizon Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) total €12,000,000, with individual projects expected to receive around €4,000,000, enabling the development of advanced off-grid energy storage solutions that contribute to a cleaner, more resilient, and sustainable European energy system.
The expected outcomes of this initiative include enhanced European knowledge and leadership in off-grid energy storage technologies, improved energy security and cost-effectiveness across Europe’s energy systems, and the elimination of fossil-based backup solutions for critical infrastructure. These outcomes will strengthen European competitiveness while supporting a sustainable, resilient, and decarbonised energy system.
This initiative falls under the broader EU strategic priority of ensuring a more efficient, sustainable, secure, and competitive energy supply by 2026-27. It contributes to the Strategic Plan’s key orientations of a green and digital transition and a more resilient, competitive, inclusive, and democratic Europe. By advancing renewable energy, energy systems, grids, and storage, projects will support the integration of renewable energy sources, increase grid flexibility, and enhance resilience to climate risks and extreme events.
The impacts of this research extend across multiple sectors. Energy producers will gain access to competitive and sustainable renewable energy technologies, supporting the EU’s energy security and climate neutrality goals. Technology providers will benefit from resilient and affordable value chains, including circular solutions with reduced dependency on critical raw materials. Economic sectors will see better integration of renewable energy solutions that are flexible, efficient, and reliable, while European industries will strengthen their global competitiveness. Citizens and local communities will experience a more decentralized, affordable, and secure energy system, with opportunities for employment and upskilling.
Additionally, the initiative supports the development of carbon capture, use, and storage (CCUS) and carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies to mitigate emissions from electricity generation and industrial applications.
For more information, visit European Commission.
