Full-scale demonstration of heat upgrade solutions in industrial processes
Demonstration of innovative process heat upgrading solutions in energy-intensive industrial enterprises within the EU. Funding of pilot and demonstration projects until 15.09.2026.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Support for large-scale demonstration projects aimed at optimizing industrial process heat through the utilization and upgrading of surplus or waste heat, in order to increase energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and gradually replace fossil fuel-based heat generation.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel costs
- Subcontractor costs
- Material costs
- Travel expenses
- Infrastructure costs
Non-eligible expenses
- Acquisition of real estate
- Retroactive costs
- Debt settlement
Eligible to apply
- Companies
- Non-profit Organizations
- Public Institutions
Funding requirements
- Establishment in an EU Member State or a Horizon Europe associated country
- Consortium of at least three independent partners from different countries
- Capability to carry out industrial demonstration projects
Documents required for application
- Application form
- Project description
- Financial plan
- Curricula vitae of key researchers
- Declaration of participants
Evaluation criteria
- Innovative content of the project
- Potential for market sustainability
- Quality of methodology and planning
Description
The EU funding initiative “Full-scale demonstration of heat upgrade solutions in industrial processes” supports companies, non-profit organizations, and public institutions in utilizing excess or waste heat in energy-intensive industries to optimize process heat. The goal is large-scale pilot and demonstration projects, which can be submitted until September 15, 2026. Consortia must consist of at least three independent partners from different EU member states or Horizon Europe-associated countries. Funding is provided for the development and validation of innovative technologies, such as heat pumps combined with thermal or electrical energy storage, to replace fossil heat generation, increase energy efficiency, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Research institutions and technical service providers can collaborate with industrial companies to advance technology transfer and develop open guidelines for system design as well as business cases. The maximum funding amount is €9 million, with a funding rate of 70% of eligible costs (personnel costs, subcontractor costs, material costs, travel expenses, and infrastructure costs). The project duration is set at 36 months.
Adequately qualified team structures, a transparent plan, and a high degree of innovation are key evaluation criteria, as well as potential for market sustainability and methodological quality. Both SMEs and large enterprises are eligible for funding. Projects must be based in the EU or associated countries and are ineligible if they involve real estate acquisition, retroactive costs, or debt refinancing. Applications must include the application form, project description, financing plan, CVs of key researchers, and declaration of participants. Through this call, participants make a decisive contribution to the climate-friendly transformation of industry and the strengthening of European competitiveness.