PV based electrification of the economy: Designing & optimising PV systems supporting industrial electrification and promoting participation in electricity markets (EUPI-PV Partnership)

The EUPI-PV Partnership Program aims at the development and optimization of grid-connected high-voltage direct current photovoltaic systems (≥ 3 kV) for industrial applications as well as the market introduction of advanced solar solutions. SMEs, research and educational institutions, and non-profit organizations from at least three EU Member States or Associated Countries join forces in consortia to increase efficiency, minimize losses, and reduce system costs. The funding volume of up to €6 million per individual project covers 70% of eligible expenses – including personnel costs, equipment and subcontractor services, as well as travel expenses. The funding spans 36 months and supports both the planning of hybrid AC/DC grid structures and phases of demonstration and validation at industrial scale. A particular focus lies on the integration of storage systems, digital control methods, and the participation of PV plants in intraday and redispatch markets to reduce negative price risks and secure the profitability of solar investments.

Interested industrial enterprises, energy suppliers, and system planners are invited to submit research projects on dynamic pricing, pooling with existing assets, or integrated control models. The application documents include, besides the project description, a financing plan, CVs of key personnel, and evidence of financial and operational capacity. Submissions are accepted exclusively electronically until December 1, 2027 (17:00 Brussels time). All aspects of innovation content, economic viability, and implementation quality are considered in the evaluation. Funding is provided as a one-time grant without retroactive costs or real estate investments, accompanied by reporting, dissemination, and exploitation requirements in line with the European Photovoltaic Partnership framework.