Next generation of renewable energy technologies
EU-wide funding for pioneering research and development of innovative technologies in the field of renewable energies. Two-stage submission: Stage 1 by 31.03.2026, Stage 2 by 20.10.2026.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Development of groundbreaking and high-risk technologies for renewable energies (e.g., novel storage, hybrid, and solar fuel systems) at TRL 4–5, to accelerate the energy transition and net-zero climate targets by 2050 and to strengthen EU competitiveness.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel expenses
- Material costs
- Travel expenses
- Subcontractor services
Non-eligible expenses
- Acquisition of real estate
- Retroactive costs
- Debt settlement
Eligible to apply
- Companies
- Founders
- Educational Institutions
- Non-profit Organizations
- Public Institutions
Funding requirements
- Consortium of at least three independent partners from three different EU Member States or associated countries
- Participants with proven financial and operational capacity
- Single applicant or participating entity in an EU Member State or associated country
Documents required for application
- Project description
- Financing plan
- Curricula vitae of project management
- Proof of capacities (e.g., balance sheet)
- Consortium agreement
Evaluation criteria
- Innovative content of the project
- Impact on climate neutrality goals
- Quality and efficiency of implementation
Description
The EU initiative “Next Generation of Renewable Energy Technologies” supports pioneering research and development projects across Europe with a total budget of €4 million. The aim is to establish high-risk innovations in the field of renewable energies—such as novel storage, hybrid, or solar fuel systems—at TRL 4–5. Funding is available to companies of all sizes, start-ups, research institutions, universities, SMEs, non-profit, and public entities that form a consortium of at least three independent partners from three different EU member states or associated countries. The funding is provided as a grant with a funding rate of 100% and a project duration of up to 36 months. Eligible costs include personnel, material, and travel expenses as well as subcontracting services; real estate purchases, retrospective costs, or debt refinancing are excluded. Applications are submitted in two stages: a short outline by 31.03.2026 (Stage 1) and a full proposal by 20.10.2026 (Stage 2).
The focus is on accelerating the energy transition and achieving net-zero climate targets by 2050, taking into account digitalization and climate protection. Projects will be evaluated based on innovation content, contribution to climate neutrality, and quality and efficiency of implementation. A convincing exploitation and dissemination plan must be submitted alongside. Required application documents include the project description, financial plan, CVs of the leads, proof of financial and operational capacity, and a consortium agreement. All information about the call is available in German on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. The program strengthens the EU’s competitiveness, promotes the green and digital transformation, and supports ambitious actors in developing innovative energy technologies.
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