Pre-commercial appraisal for CO2 aquifer storage

The EU-wide call for the pre-commercial assessment of CO₂ storage in deep saline aquifers is aimed at consortia consisting of public bodies, research institutions, and industrial companies. Funding is provided for site-specific injection pilot tests as well as analyses to identify and evaluate storage potentials in aquifers from 800 m depth. With a duration of up to 36 months and a funding amount of up to €5 million per project, up to 100% of eligible costs will be covered. These include expenses for data acquisition, drilling and injection tests, measurement and monitoring technologies, as well as subcontractor services. A consortium must consist of at least three independent partners and conduct the pilot tests in EU member states or associated countries. Applications must be submitted via the Funding & Tenders Portal by 31 March 2026.

The objective is to commission concrete R&D activities in phased approaches and to determine the injectivity behavior of the aquifer using proven monitoring methods, as well as to assess factors such as porosity, permeability, and geological safety. The results are intended to accelerate the planning and approval of large-scale CO₂ capture projects and close the storage capacity gap—particularly in regions of Central, Eastern, and Southern Europe. Key evaluation criteria include the degree of innovation, scientific and technical excellence, and the consortium’s implementation capability. Required documents include the project description, financial plan, and proof of consortium membership. The first project phase will commence from June 2026. Proactive collaboration with national authorities ensures access to existing datasets and approval procedures.