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Strategic Analysis
To win this call, the proposal must demonstrate a highly balanced EU-AU consortium that deploys a concrete, operational Renewable Energy Valley in Africa using a Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem (WEFE) Nexus approach. The winning strategy relies on proving immediate access to land/permits (@SC15) while integrating local African SMEs and aligning directly with the EU's Global Gateway Strategy to ensure long-term financial viability and local ownership.
TRL → 8
Cover either urbanised or rural contexts in Africa to provide sustainable renewable energy access and create other socio-economic benefits, adopting a Water Energy Food Ecosystem (WEFE) Nexus approach and following methods of the circular economy.
Design, construct, commission and operate the demonstration installation, including aspects of energy needs and energy consumption, of grid stability and grid reinforcement in the region concerned.
Develop and implement a tailored value chain approach, identifying the most suitable manufacturing value chains, on the basis of the local context, local material supply chain(s) and local workforce.
Adopt a gender sensitive approach, taking into account relevant groups in a vulnerable situation such as rural communities, and women.
Involve African SMEs in the overall value chain and encourage participation of EU private sector actors in alignment with the priorities of the Global Gateway Strategy.
Identify technical, vocational and educational needs of the workforce and propose relevant training and qualification activities.
Define a market and business strategy, considering funding from European and international financial instruments and development finance programmes, and including appropriate consideration of available financial support instruments.
Consider social innovation, regulatory environment, and local communities’ governance needs and/or impacts.
Include a cradle-to-grave life cycle analysis showing the impact of the proposed solutions on the environment, climate change targets, and social and economic dimensions.
Adopt a circular economy approach and implement mitigation measures whenever negative impacts are identified.
Ensure relevant African partners participate in the implementation of the project, aiming for a balanced involvement of European and African partners.
Participate in and contribute to the African Union - European Union collaborative research action on Climate Change and Sustainable Energy, in particular through cooperation/collaboration with the project LEAP-RE.
Prioritize alignment with Global Gateway ongoing activities on renewable energy in Africa, including collaboration with EU Delegations, EU private sector actors, the Partnership on Food and Nutrition Security and Sustainable Agriculture (FNSSA), and Cluster 6's topic HORIZON-CL6-2027-02-FARM2FORK-02-two-stage.
Consider lessons learned from the implementation of European Renewable Energy Valleys projects, specifically REFORMERS and CRETE VALLEY.
Provide proven access to necessary land and/or permits for operation at the time of application and/or convincing risk management regarding delayed availability of land or permits.
Strengthening of the joint EU-AU Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Collaborative Partnership efforts, with emphasis on improving the visibility of EU Science Diplomacy actions in Africa and supporting Global Gateway Strategy priorities.
Acceleration of the achievements of the African countries’ targets of the Paris Agreement.
Increase the roll-out of local or regional renewable energy system solutions for electricity, heat and fuel needs and contribute to a fair trade between Africa and Europe.
Create new sustainable skills and jobs linked to local or regional renewable energy system value chains and enhance economic growth in local or regional African communities.
Increase the readiness, reliability, performance and affordability of local or regional renewable energy system solutions in Africa.
Energy producers have access to efficient and competitive European renewable energy and renewable fuel technologies with a solid knowledge base and are able to deploy them to enhance the EU’s energy security and reach its climate neutrality objectives, in a sustainable way in environmental and socioeconomic terms, and in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Technology providers have access to European, competitive, resilient, reliable, sustainable, and affordable value chains of renewable energy and renewable fuel technologies including emerging ones, and with strong export potential to supply both the EU internal and global markets.
Economic sectors benefit from better integration of renewable energy and renewable fuel-based solutions that are, among others, competitive, cost-effective, efficient, flexible, reliable, and sustainable.
European industries benefit from a reinforced export potential of renewable energy and renewable fuel technologies, also through international partnerships, and become more competitive in innovative renewable energy technologies in Europe and globally.
European researchers benefit from a stronger community and from a reinforced scientific basis on renewable energy and renewable fuel technologies including emerging ones, also through international collaborations.
European citizens have access to an energy market that is fair and equitable, more resilient, uses all different types of local renewable energy resources, and is less dependent on fossil fuels imports.
R&I actions will support the just digital and green transformation of the energy system through advanced solutions for accelerating the energy systems integration and decarbonisation.
The solutions developed will contribute to increase flexibility and grid hosting capacity for renewables through optimizing cross sector integration and grid scale storage as well as cover off-grid situations.
The solutions will improve consumer awareness and engagement in the energy transition, via innovative offers and services and will target different types of consumers, including "hard to reach" population groups.
Accelerated deployment of carbon capture, use and storage (CCUS) as a CO2 emission mitigation option in electricity generation and/or in industry applications, as well as carbon dioxide removal for negative emissions.
Global Gateway Strategy
highThe Global Gateway Strategy is a key EU initiative to boost smart, clean, and secure links in digital, energy, and transport sectors while strengthening health, education, and research systems globally. It prioritizes sustainable and trusted connections that work for people and the planet, with a strong focus on Africa.
Evaluators will expect the proposal to demonstrate alignment with Global Gateway priorities, particularly in fostering sustainable energy infrastructure, private sector engagement, and EU-AU collaboration. The project should highlight how it contributes to energy security, economic growth, and job creation in Africa while ensuring policy coherence and scalability. Engagement with EU Delegations and private sector actors in Africa will be viewed favorably.
Paris Agreement
highThe Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty on climate change, aiming to limit global warming to well below 2°C, preferably to 1.5°C, compared to pre-industrial levels. It requires countries to submit Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) outlining their climate action plans.
Evaluators will prioritize proposals that directly contribute to the achievement of African countries’ NDCs by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing climate resilience. The project should include measurable climate impacts, such as tCO2e emissions reduced, and align with decarbonization and renewable energy deployment goals. Demonstrating how the REV accelerates Africa’s transition to low-carbon energy systems will be critical.
African Union - European Union collaborative research action on Climate Change and Sustainable Energy
highThe African Union - European Union (AU-EU) collaborative research action on Climate Change and Sustainable Energy (CCSE) is a long-term partnership framework designed to co-design and co-implement scientific cooperation, capacity building, and technology transfer in renewable energy and climate adaptation.
Evaluators expect proposals to demonstrate a genuine joint EU-AU partnership approach, ensuring equal ownership, co-design, and mutual benefit between European and African partners. Proposals should align with the CCSE roadmap by addressing local energy access needs, fostering local capacity building, and promoting the deployment of scalable, sustainable energy technologies in Africa.
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described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes.
Proposal page limits and layout: described in Part B of the Application Form available in the Submission System.
described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes.
A number of non-EU/non-Associated Countries that are not automatically eligible for funding have made specific provisions for making funding available for their participants in Horizon Europe projects. See the information in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide.
Due to the scope of this topic, legal entities established in all African Union member states are exceptionally eligible for Union funding.
If projects use satellite-based earth observation, positioning, navigation and/or related timing data and services, beneficiaries must make use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS (other data and services may additionally be used).
The following additional eligibility criteria apply: At least two legal entities established in at least two different African Union member states must be part of the consortium as beneficiaries.
described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes.
described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes.
are described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes.
The following additions to the general award criteria apply: For the criterion 'Quality and efficiency of the implementation', in addition to its standard aspects, the following aspect shall constitute a major element: Demonstrated access to necessary land and / or permits for operation at the time of application and / or convincing risk management regarding delayed availability of land or permits. Risk management can include go / no-go decisions at mid-term.
are described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual.
described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes.
described in Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes.
described in the [specific topic of the Work Programme]
Application form templates — the application form specific to this call is available in the Submission System
Standard application form (HE RIA, IA)
Evaluation form templates — will be used with the necessary adaptations
Standard evaluation form (HE RIA, IA)
Guidance
Model Grant Agreements (MGA)
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 1. General Introduction
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 8. Climate, Energy and Mobility
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 15. General Annexes
HE Framework Programme 2021/695
HE Specific Programme Decision 2021/764
EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509
Decision authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme
Rules for Legal Entity Validation, LEAR Appointment and Financial Capacity Assessment
EU Grants AGA — Annotated Model Grant Agreement
Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual
Evaluators will heavily scrutinize the Quality and Efficiency of the Implementation criterion, specifically looking for legally binding or highly convincing proof of land access and operational permits (@SC15) at the time of application. They will also prioritize proposals that show genuine, balanced co-ownership between European and African partners (@SC11), concrete integration of African SMEs (@SC05), and a clear business strategy leveraging international development finance (@SC07).
Everything the call asks for, seen from the call's point of view. Each line shows what answers it, and which partner carries it.
This matrix lists everything the call asks for: outcomes, impacts, scope, the requirements buried in the call text, and policy alignment. Sign up free and GrantForge tracks each line against the concept you build.
| Requirement | Covered by | Carried | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope activities | |||
| SC1Cover either urbanised or rural contexts in Africa to provide sustainable renewable energy access and create other socio-economic benefits, adopting a Water Energy Food Ecosystem (WEFE) Nexus approach and following methods of the circular economy. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC2Design, construct, commission and operate the demonstration installation, including aspects of energy needs and energy consumption, of grid stability and grid reinforcement in the region concerned. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC3Develop and implement a tailored value chain approach, identifying the most suitable manufacturing value chains, on the basis of the local context, local material supply chain(s) and local workforce. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC4Adopt a gender sensitive approach, taking into account relevant groups in a vulnerable situation such as rural communities, and women. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC5Involve African SMEs in the overall value chain and encourage participation of EU private sector actors in alignment with the priorities of the Global Gateway Strategy. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC6Identify technical, vocational and educational needs of the workforce and propose relevant training and qualification activities. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC7Define a market and business strategy, considering funding from European and international financial instruments and development finance programmes, and including appropriate consideration of available financial support instruments. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC8Consider social innovation, regulatory environment, and local communities’ governance needs and/or impacts. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC9Include a cradle-to-grave life cycle analysis showing the impact of the proposed solutions on the environment, climate change targets, and social and economic dimensions. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC10Adopt a circular economy approach and implement mitigation measures whenever negative impacts are identified. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC11Ensure relevant African partners participate in the implementation of the project, aiming for a balanced involvement of European and African partners. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC12Participate in and contribute to the African Union - European Union collaborative research action on Climate Change and Sustainable Energy, in particular through cooperation/collaboration with the project LEAP-RE. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC13Prioritize alignment with Global Gateway ongoing activities on renewable energy in Africa, including collaboration with EU Delegations, EU private sector actors, the Partnership on Food and Nutrition Security and Sustainable Agriculture (FNSSA), and Cluster 6's topic HORIZON-CL6-2027-02-FARM2FORK-02-two-stage. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC14Consider lessons learned from the implementation of European Renewable Energy Valleys projects, specifically REFORMERS and CRETE VALLEY. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC15Provide proven access to necessary land and/or permits for operation at the time of application and/or convincing risk management regarding delayed availability of land or permits. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected outcomes | |||
| EO1Strengthening of the joint EU-AU Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Collaborative Partnership efforts, with emphasis on improving the visibility of EU Science Diplomacy actions in Africa and supporting Global Gateway Strategy priorities. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO2Acceleration of the achievements of the African countries’ targets of the Paris Agreement. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO3Increase the roll-out of local or regional renewable energy system solutions for electricity, heat and fuel needs and contribute to a fair trade between Africa and Europe. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO4Create new sustainable skills and jobs linked to local or regional renewable energy system value chains and enhance economic growth in local or regional African communities. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO5Increase the readiness, reliability, performance and affordability of local or regional renewable energy system solutions in Africa. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Other requirements | |||
| REQ1Involvement of African SMEs and EU private sector actorsAfrican SMEs are expected to play an important role in the overall value chain and in identifying needs, while participation of EU private sector actors should be encouraged in alignment with the Global Gateway Strategy. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ2Gender sensitive approach and vulnerable groupsProposals should adopt a gender sensitive approach, taking into account relevant groups in a vulnerable situation such as rural communities and women. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ3Cradle-to-grave life cycle analysisProposals are expected to include a life cycle analysis showing the impact of the proposed solutions on the environment, climate change targets, and social and economic dimensions, taking a cradle-to-grave viewpoint. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ4Balanced European and African partner involvementAs the demonstration installation will be located in Africa, relevant African partners must participate, and a balanced involvement of European and African partners is considered an asset in the evaluation. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ5Cooperation with LEAP-RE projectActions should participate in and contribute to the AU-EU collaborative research action on Climate Change and Sustainable Energy, in particular through cooperation/collaboration with the project LEAP-RE. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ6Alignment with Global Gateway and Cluster 6 initiativesPrioritize alignment with Global Gateway ongoing activities, including collaboration with EU Delegations and EU private sector actors, as well as with the Partnership on Food and Nutrition Security and Sustainable Agriculture (FNSSA) and Cluster 6's topic HORIZON-CL6-2027-02-FARM2FORK-02-two-stage. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ7Lessons learned from REFORMERS and CRETE VALLEYProposals should consider lessons learned from the implementation of European Renewable Energy Valleys projects, specifically REFORMERS and CRETE VALLEY. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ8Mandatory use of Copernicus and Galileo/EGNOSIf projects use satellite-based earth observation, positioning, navigation and/or related timing data and services, beneficiaries must make use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ9Restrictions on the participation of legal entities established in ChinaLegal entities established in China are not eligible to participate in both Research and Innovation Actions (RIAs) and Innovation Actions (IAs) falling under this destination. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected impacts | |||
| EI1Energy producers have access to efficient and competitive European renewable energy and renewable fuel technologies with a solid knowledge base and are able to deploy them to enhance the EU’s energy security and reach its climate neutrality objectives, in a sustainable way in environmental and socioeconomic terms, and in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI2Technology providers have access to European, competitive, resilient, reliable, sustainable, and affordable value chains of renewable energy and renewable fuel technologies including emerging ones, and with strong export potential to supply both the EU internal and global markets. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI3Economic sectors benefit from better integration of renewable energy and renewable fuel-based solutions that are, among others, competitive, cost-effective, efficient, flexible, reliable, and sustainable. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI4European industries benefit from a reinforced export potential of renewable energy and renewable fuel technologies, also through international partnerships, and become more competitive in innovative renewable energy technologies in Europe and globally. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI5European researchers benefit from a stronger community and from a reinforced scientific basis on renewable energy and renewable fuel technologies including emerging ones, also through international collaborations. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI6European citizens have access to an energy market that is fair and equitable, more resilient, uses all different types of local renewable energy resources, and is less dependent on fossil fuels imports. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI7R&I actions will support the just digital and green transformation of the energy system through advanced solutions for accelerating the energy systems integration and decarbonisation. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI8The solutions developed will contribute to increase flexibility and grid hosting capacity for renewables through optimizing cross sector integration and grid scale storage as well as cover off-grid situations. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI9The solutions will improve consumer awareness and engagement in the energy transition, via innovative offers and services and will target different types of consumers, including "hard to reach" population groups. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI10Accelerated deployment of carbon capture, use and storage (CCUS) as a CO2 emission mitigation option in electricity generation and/or in industry applications, as well as carbon dioxide removal for negative emissions. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Underlying policies | |||
| POL1global gateway strategyThe Global Gateway Strategy is a key EU initiative to boost smart, clean, and secure links in digital, energy, and transport sectors while strengthening health, education, and research systems globally. It prioritizes sustainable and trusted connections that work for people and the planet, with a strong focus on Africa. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL2paris agreementThe Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty on climate change, aiming to limit global warming to well below 2°C, preferably to 1.5°C, compared to pre-industrial levels. It requires countries to submit Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) outlining their climate action plans. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL3african union - european union collaborative research action on climate change and sustainable energyThe African Union - European Union (AU-EU) collaborative research action on Climate Change and Sustainable Energy (CCSE) is a long-term partnership framework designed to co-design and co-implement scientific cooperation, capacity building, and technology transfer in renewable energy and climate adaptation. | · | · | Sign up to track |
The binding rules of this call. Items marked auto are verified by GrantForge from the call and the template. The others are yours to confirm.
LMIC entities auto-eligible
Low/middle-income country entities are automatically eligible for funding.
EU space data infrastructures
If the project uses satellite-based Earth observation, positioning, navigation or timing data/services, beneficiaries must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS. Other sources may be added but not substitute EU infrastructures.
Civil applications only
Horizon Europe funds exclusively civil applications. Research with exclusive military or dual-use application is excluded.
Gender Equality Plan
Having a Gender Equality Plan (GEP) is an eligibility criterion for public bodies, research organisations, and higher education institutions from Member States and Associated Countries.
Open Science
Mandatory open access to peer-reviewed scientific publications and responsible management of research data (FAIR principles, DMP required).
4 key insights you must internalise before writing. Each is grounded in the call text and tells you what evaluators will actually look for. Share these with your consortium before drafting.
A proposal will be rejected at the eligibility check if it does not include at least two legal entities from two different African Union member states as full beneficiaries. While standard Horizon Europe minimums still apply, this specific AU requirement is a non-negotiable baseline for consortium building.
Source: Eligibility rules
Evaluators are instructed to treat demonstrated access to land and operational permits as a major element under the Quality and Efficiency of the Implementation criterion. Proposals must include legally binding proof of access at the time of application or a highly convincing risk management plan with mid-term go/no-go decisions to avoid severe scoring penalties.
Source: Evaluation_pre_award
The call explicitly requires collaboration with a strict list of ongoing projects and frameworks, including LEAP-RE, FNSSA, REFORMERS, and CRETE VALLEY. Applicants must allocate dedicated budget and define concrete interaction mechanisms with these initiatives to satisfy the scope requirements and demonstrate alignment with the Global Gateway Strategy.
Source: Scope
A standard commercialization strategy will not suffice for this call. The business plan must explicitly integrate European and international development finance instruments to guarantee the long-term viability and rapid market deployment of the Renewable Energy Valley demonstration.
Source: Scope
Talk to the Grant Coach to build your concept. The steps below fill in as it takes shape, and your coverage tracks the progress. You can refine everything once your project workspace is created.
Step 1 of 2 · Build your concept
The problems this call frames, and who they affect. Your concept and plan address them.
Many African rural and peri-urban communities suffer from highly unreliable power grids or complete lack of electricity, hindering economic development and basic social services.
A lack of localized manufacturing, technical training, and SME involvement in renewable energy projects leads to high dependency on foreign imports and poor long-term maintenance of installations.
Renewable energy initiatives in Africa often struggle to scale due to complex land-use permitting, lack of alignment with international finance instruments, and weak community-level governance models.
Local populations in Africa lacking reliable energy access, with a specific focus on women and vulnerable groups who will benefit from improved energy security and socio-economic opportunities.
Local enterprises, engineering firms, and technicians who will receive vocational training, capacity building, and direct integration into the renewable energy value chain.
European and African researchers working on renewable energy systems, WEFE nexus models, and AU-EU climate collaboration frameworks.
Development finance institutions, EU Delegations, and national energy ministries looking to replicate the Renewable Energy Valley model under the Global Gateway Strategy.
Step 2 of 2 · Build your concept
The long-term impacts your project should drive — this shapes the objectives next.
Accelerated deployment of localized renewable energy systems, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and supporting African countries' Paris Agreement targets.
Creation of high-quality green jobs, vocational qualifications, and business opportunities for local African SMEs, with a strong gender-sensitive focus.
Deepened institutional and scientific cooperation between the European Union and the African Union, directly supporting the Global Gateway Strategy priorities.