Innovative technologies and solutions to improve wind energy systems supporting the Strategic Energy Technology (SET) Plan on wind
EU-wide funding for research and innovation projects to increase the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of wind energy systems within the framework of the SET Plan. One-time application deadline until 15.09.2026.
Discover your potential with AI support
- Find out if this grant matches your project
- Develop your application together with AI
- Get matched with many more suitable grants
Grant criteria
Funding objective
Promotion of research and innovation priorities in the field of wind energy through the development, prototyping, and demonstration of innovative technologies to increase efficiency, reduce costs, integrate systems, and enhance the sustainability of wind energy systems.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel expenses
- Material costs
- Travel expenses
- Subcontractor services
Eligible to apply
- Companies
- Educational Institutions
- Non-profit Organizations
- Founders
Funding requirements
- Participation of independent legal entities from at least three EU/Associated States
- Consortium composition with expertise in R&D in the wind energy sector
Documents required for application
- Project description
- Financing plan
- Technical specifications
- Curricula vitae
Evaluation criteria
- Innovative content of the project
- Contribution to EU strategies
- Efficiency and feasibility of the work plan
Description
The EU initiative "Innovative Technologies and Solutions to Improve Wind Energy Systems within the Strategic Energy Technology (SET) Plan" supports research and innovation-oriented projects aimed at increasing the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of wind turbines across Europe. Eligible applicants include companies of all sizes, universities, research institutions, non-profit organizations, start-ups, and industry partners from at least three EU or associated countries. A consortium must combine expertise in the field of wind energy and demonstrate a high level of innovation, digital system integration, and circular economy concepts within the thematic areas of climate protection, renewable energies, and digitalization. The project duration can be up to 60 months, with an EU funding rate of 70% to 100% applicable to personnel, material, travel, and subcontractor costs. A total budget of approximately €93 million is available in this call. The application deadline is September 15, 2026.
The evaluation is based on the criteria of innovation level, contribution to the EU strategy, feasibility, and efficiency of the work plan. Within the framework of Innovation Actions, prototypes, demonstrators, and validations up to TRL 7–8 are realized; financial support for third parties (FSTP) of up to €1 million per third party accelerates breakthrough and validation phases. Participating project consortia should include a clear Go/No-Go milestone, present approval strategies and business plans, and establish an advisory board as well as robust risk management. Required documents include the project description, financing plan, technical specifications, and CVs. This funding round substantially advances the implementation of the SET Plan for wind energy with regard to climate goals, cost reduction, and European technological leadership.