ARF - IPCEI Hydrogen
Funding of multi-year projects by Austrian companies for the development, testing, and market introduction of green hydrogen within the framework of the IPCEI initiative of the European Union. Financed by NextGeneration EU and national funds. Submissions until 31.12.2026.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
The aim of the program is to establish a competitive, innovative, and sustainable European hydrogen value chain by promoting multi-year research, development, and demonstration projects of Austrian companies related to the development, testing, and transfer to mass use of green hydrogen as an energy carrier and basic substance for chemical syntheses within the framework of the IPCEI initiative of the European Union.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel costs
- Operating and material costs
- Investment costs
- Consulting costs
- Patents and license fees
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Non-eligible expenses
- Retroactive costs
- Debt settlement
- Costs not incurred during the project period
Eligible to apply
- Companies
Funding requirements
- Presentation of the plausibility and feasibility of the project
- Completeness of the application
- Verification of conformity with the target group definition and thematic priorities
- Assessment of the innovation performance by an independent jury
- Positive national funding decision by BMAW and BMK
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Documents required for application
- Letter of Intent
- Project Outline
- Funding Gap Calculation
Evaluation criteria
- Innovative content of the project
- Plausibility and feasibility
- Contribution to the European hydrogen value chain
- Strategic relevance for Austria
- Sustainability aspects
Description
Within the framework of the ARF – IPCEI Hydrogen, Austrian companies are enabled to advance multi-year research, development, and demonstration projects focused on the development, testing, and mass use of green hydrogen. The goal is to establish a competitive, innovative, and sustainable European hydrogen value chain in the context of the European Union’s IPCEI initiative. All company sizes are supported, especially SMEs and start-ups active in the production, storage, or use of hydrogen – research institutions and technical development service providers can be involved as project partners. The selected projects make a significant contribution to the decarbonization of energy-intensive industries and the achievement of national and European climate targets by making green hydrogen marketable as an energy carrier and synthesis component.
Funding is provided as a non-repayable grant with funding rates between 20% and 30% on eligible expenses such as personnel costs, material and supply costs, investments, consulting fees, patents, and travel expenses. A maximum project duration of up to 72 months and submission deadlines until December 31, 2026, provide planning security. Funding of up to €121 million is made available through NextGeneration EU as well as national funds. Key selection criteria include the degree of innovation, plausibility and feasibility of the project, contribution to the European hydrogen value chain, strategic relevance for Austria, and sustainability aspects. Application requires a declaration of interest, a project outline, and a funding gap calculation. Through transparent evaluation procedures and close project support, long-term market opportunities as well as valuable spill-over effects for the European hydrogen economy are ensured.
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