Novel solutions for off-grid storage of renewable energy for critical infrastructures

The EU-funded Horizon Europe program “Novel solutions for off-grid storage of renewable energy for critical infrastructures” targets companies, educational institutions, public and non-profit organizations within the European Union and associated countries. The objective is the development and validation of innovative, cost-efficient off-grid energy storage technologies for renewable energies to securely and resiliently supply critical infrastructures such as hospitals, data centers, and transport networks, even in remote areas. A consortium of at least three independent partners from three different countries with proven experience in renewable energies and energy storage is required. Eligible costs include personnel expenses, material costs, equipment rental, and travel expenses. Ineligible are real estate purchases, retrospective costs, or debt settlements. The submission deadline is March 31, 2026, 17:00 CET, with the earliest project start date being December 18, 2025. The maximum funding amount is €4,000,000 per project, with a funding rate of 100%.

Evaluation will be based on the level of innovation, viability of results, as well as quality and efficiency of implementation. Particular emphasis is placed on the robustness of the technologies, sustainable material selection, and decision-making procedures for emergency scenarios. Government bodies, research institutions, and operators of critical infrastructures are invited as pilot users to jointly test prototypes in real environments with industry partners. Close collaboration within the consortium ensures interdisciplinary expertise. The results are intended not only to enhance supply security but also to contribute to climate protection and energy efficiency. By integrating digital tools and decision-making instruments, resilience against rare but severe events is strengthened. Interested partnerships are encouraged to submit their applications in a timely manner.