R&I in Support of the Clean Industrial Deal: Decarbonisation of energy intensive industries (IA) (Processes4Planet and Clean Steel partnerships)

The EU Innovation Call under Horizon Europe supports competitive research and development aimed at drastically reducing CO₂ emissions in energy-intensive industrial sectors. Funded are projects that advance innovative technologies for CO₂ capture, utilization, and storage, as well as the use of clean energy carriers such as hydrogen or waste heat recovery in production processes. A particular focus is on increasing circular economy and resource efficiency through systems that reintegrate industrial by-products into the material cycle. Market-ready demonstrators and pilot plants are intended to generate marketable solutions with a high degree of innovation, strengthening European companies in their transition to climate neutrality. Accompanying business plans and market strategies are to be developed to ensure successful industrialization and scaling by 2030.

Funding is particularly aimed at consortia consisting of SMEs, research institutions, public bodies, or non-profit organizations from EU Member States and associated countries. Applicants must form a consortium with at least three independent partners and demonstrate experience from EU research projects. Grants ranging from EUR 15 to 25 million cover up to 100% of eligible costs (personnel, material costs, subcontracting, travel). The submission deadline is 15 September 2026 at 17:00 Brussels time. Evaluation criteria include the level of innovation, expected impact on the Clean Industrial Deal, and quality of implementation. Applications and all annexes must be submitted electronically via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. This program supports the Co-Programmed Partnerships Processes4Planet and Clean Steel and contributes to establishing Europe as a leading market for clean industry.