Concentrated solar thermal systems for decarbonising industrial processes
Demonstration of concentrated solar thermal systems (150–400 °C) for the efficient decarbonization of industrial heat processes with integrated storage and phasing of project stages. Submission deadline: 31.03.2027.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Support for research and innovation for the development, testing, and validation of concentrated solar thermal technologies (150 °C–400 °C) including energy storage, to cover at least 50% of the annual heat demand of industrial processes, demonstrate economic viability, and enhance the competitiveness of sustainable industrial heating solutions.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel expenses
- Material costs
- Travel expenses
- Subcontractor services
Eligible to apply
- Companies
- Educational Institutions
Funding requirements
- Consortium of at least three independent partners from different EU Member States or associated countries
- Experience in industrial R&D projects
- Proof of financial and operational capacity
Documents required for application
- Project description
- Financing plan
- CVs of key personnel
- Detailed budget table
Evaluation criteria
- Innovative content and ambition (Excellence)
- Achievable environmental impact and market relevance (Impact)
- Quality of project organization and resource planning (Implementation)
Description
The call aims to demonstrate innovative, concentrated solar thermal systems for the efficient decarbonization of industrial heat processes in the temperature range of 150 °C to 400 °C. Funding is provided to companies and educational institutions from the EU that collaborate within a consortium of at least three independent partners from different member states or associated countries. By integrating novel storage technologies and a structured phasing of project stages over 36 months, it is intended to show how renewable solar heat can cover at least 50% of the annual heat demand of industrial applications such as drying, melting, sterilization, or cooling. Key evaluation criteria include the degree of innovation, environmental impact, and the quality of organizational and resource planning.
The funding amount is up to €6,000,000 per project with a funding rate of 70%. Eligible costs include personnel and material expenses, travel costs, and subcontractor services. Requirements for application submission by 31.03.2027, 17:00 Brussels time, include timely submission, a consistent project description, a detailed financing plan, CVs of key personnel, and a budget table. The goal is to validate the economic viability of concentrated solar thermal systems and to strengthen the competitiveness of sustainable industrial heating solutions. By demonstrating a viable business model and reducing the Levelised Cost of Heating (LCoH), solar solutions are expected to sustainably expand their role in industrial heat supply.