Four Horizon Europe energy calls advancing the Green Deal

28th July 2026 at 4:23 pm

Four Horizon Europe topics opening on 4 August 2026 offer funding for renewable energy generation, geothermal exploration, innovative photovoltaic systems and energy-sector artificial intelligence. With a combined indicative budget of EUR 91.5 million and 13 projects expected to be funded, these Green Deal energy calls present significant opportunities for research organisations, technology developers, energy companies, infrastructure operators and public bodies. The deadline for all four topics is 1 December 2026.

Sustainable regional bioenergy value chains

HORIZON-CL5-2026-11-D3-05 supports regional value chains that convert locally sourced biogenic residues and waste into solid biofuel for high-efficiency combined heat and power plants. Projects must include at least one regional demonstration using an operational plant of between 10 and 30 MWe. Proposals should cover the complete chain, from feedstock supply and upgrading to reliable heat and electricity generation. Farmers, foresters, municipalities and other feedstock providers should be actively involved. Applicants must also consider competing biomass uses, cascading use, biodiversity, water, air quality and soil carbon. A strong business case, exploitation strategy and pathway towards commercial deployment are also expected.

Pro tip: Demonstrate why the proposed value chain is sustainable at each sourcing location, not only when assessed at the regional level.

Unlocking deep geothermal resources

HORIZON-CL5-2026-11-D3-06 focuses on methods, equipment and models for assessing low-permeability sedimentary and basement reservoirs at depths of 2,000 to 6,000 metres. The aim is to improve resource prediction, increase drilling success and reduce risks such as induced seismicity. Proposals may address reservoir properties, stimulation techniques, well design, geochemistry, geomechanics or raw-material co-production.

Community engagement must begin early and continue throughout the project. Environmental impacts on aquifers, biodiversity, water, land and local communities should be addressed alongside the technical research. Projects are expected to reach TRL 4 to 5.

Pro tip: Define clear indicators showing how the proposed solution will reduce uncertainty and improve future investment decisions.

Improved designs for innovative PV applications

HORIZON-CL5-2026-11-D3-14 supports either agrivoltaics or offshore and nearshore PV. Each proposal must select one of these two areas. Projects should develop advanced system designs, components, modelling approaches and permitting solutions. Demonstrators must total at least 5 MW across different European climate or sea zones, with projects reaching TRL 7 to 8. For agrivoltaics, proposals should balance energy production with agriculture, biodiversity and water conservation. Offshore and nearshore solutions must address marine conditions, costs, system reliability and competing uses of sea space. The Commission plans to fund at least two projects in each area.

Pro tip: Choose demonstration sites that test genuinely different operating conditions and support a convincing European replication strategy.

Data and AI for a smarter energy system

HORIZON-CL5-2026-11-D3-23 combines secure energy-data sharing with the development of AI foundation models. Applicants must already have access to large and relevant datasets when submitting their proposal. Projects may use data spaces, federated learning, synthetic data or shared AI training environments to support secure and scalable data exchange. The models should address applications such as grid operation, forecasting, congestion management, predictive maintenance, flexibility or energy efficiency. Laboratory demonstrators and real-life pilots are required, with projects expected to reach TRL 7 to 8. Data owners, model developers and operational users should all be represented in the consortium.

Pro tip: Secure datasets and clarify access rights before proposal development. Data access cannot credibly be postponed until after the project starts.

Preparing a proposal for the Sustainable, secure and competitive energy supply destination?

Although the technologies differ, all four Green Deal energy calls require credible routes from innovation to practical impact. Applicants should therefore secure their core industrial partners, data providers, demonstration sites and stakeholder involvement well before the call opens.

At accelopment, we make it our priority to support the Green Deal initiative and projects. Once you have identified your project idea, we stand ready to assist you with professional Proposal Writing support based on your needs. Whether you are applying to a call for the first time, re-submitting or require full support or assistance with certain sections, we have the expertise to meet your needs. With our long-standing experience with successful climate, energy and mobility proposals such as SOLARX, PEPPERONI and ROADVIEW, we can guide you in preparing an innovative and competitive project application.

Dr. Johannes Ripperger
Research & Innovation Manager

Andreia Cruz
Research & Innovation Project Manager