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Strategic Analysis
This call seeks innovative solutions for PV-based electrification of industrial sectors, focusing on high-voltage system architectures, AC/DC hybrid solutions, and advanced digital management for electricity market participation. A winning proposal will demonstrate significant efficiency gains, reduced Levelised Cost of Electricity (LCOE) for industrial users, and enhanced grid flexibility, directly supporting the EU's energy security and climate neutrality objectives.
TRL 4 → 8
Design higher voltage system architectures and evaluate the efficiency benefit;
Develop the blueprint for an AC (Alternating Current)/DC hybrid solution for managing end user loads, achieving high levels of efficiency;
Demonstrate a high voltage >3kV operating in DC grids for industrial installations hybrid system;
Investigate the impact of higher voltage on PV modules.
Demonstrate integrated management of PV generators for dynamic and/or nodal pricing;
Pool PV with other consumption/production assets to participate in balancing mechanisms; assess the viability of these systems and demonstrate business models and financing schemes;
Demonstrate reliability, procurement driven risk mitigation and better system availability through digitalization.
Highly efficient PV systems, optimal utilisation of generated PV electricity, energy savings;
Decreased levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) and affordable electricity for industrial users.
Increased social profitability of PV by participation to ancillary services;
Energy efficient, cost competitive and flexible contribution of PV systems to the energy markets.
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 (e.g., biodiversity, multiple uses of land and water, natural resources, pollution) 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. They benefit also from circular renewable energy technologies that are safe and sustainable by design with reduced and diversified external dependence on critical raw materials [1].
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. Such integration is facilitated through digitalisation and integration of artificial intelligence of renewable energy technologies that provide network stability and reliability.
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. Citizens experience less fuel and energy poverty, and also benefit from new employment and upskilling opportunities. Local communities benefit from a more decentralized, affordable, and secure energy system and from multiple uses of land and water.
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 developed clean, sustainable solutions will contribute to making the energy system work better for actors and supply more reliable, resilient and secure energy – even under increasingly more frequent extreme climate events.
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. They will improve the preparedness of the electricity system to support the EU's binding target for 2030 of minimum of 42.5% renewables in the gross final energy consumption (with the aspiration to reach 45%), and full decarbonisation by 2050. They will enable further electrification of demand and will enhance the competitiveness of the European value chain , reduce pressure on resources (also by making technologies ‘circular by design’) and decrease dependencies. Such solutions would also enable a better EU resilience to climate risks.
The solutions will improve consumer awareness and engagement in the energy transition, via innovative offers and services (e.g. demand response, energy communities) and will target different types of consumers, including “hard to reach” population groups (such as energy poor or low-income households). This will result in increased trust in, and uptake of the new products and services entering the energy system.
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.
Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET Plan)
highThe SET Plan aims to accelerate the development and deployment of low-carbon technologies, including CCUS, to meet EU climate and energy targets.
Evaluators will look for alignment with SET Plan priorities, including technology roadmaps, cost reduction pathways, and collaboration with industry to ensure market uptake.
RePowerEU
highRePowerEU is the European Commission's plan to rapidly reduce dependence on Russian fossil fuels and accelerate the green transition. It focuses on saving energy, producing clean energy, and diversifying energy supplies. A key pillar is the massive scaling up of renewables, including solar PV, and electrification.
Evaluators will expect proposals to demonstrate how they contribute to the RePowerEU objectives, particularly in accelerating the deployment of renewable energy technologies like PV, enhancing energy independence, and supporting the electrification of the economy. This includes showing clear pathways to market uptake and impact on energy security.
Digital Agenda
mediumThe Digital Agenda for Europe was one of the seven flagship initiatives of the Europe 2020 Strategy, aiming to deliver sustainable economic and social benefits from a digital single market. It focused on areas like broadband access, digital literacy, cybersecurity, and e-commerce. While the original Digital Agenda is older, its principles have evolved into broader digital strategies like the Digital Decade.
Given the call's focus on PV systems and electricity markets, evaluators might look for how digital technologies (e.g., smart grid integration, AI for optimization, digital platforms for market participation) are leveraged. Proposals should demonstrate how digital solutions enhance the efficiency, reliability, and market integration of PV systems, aligning with the broader goals of digital transformation in the energy sector.
1. Admissibility conditions — Proposal page limit and layout 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.
2. Eligible Countries — 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 .
3. Other Eligibility Conditions — 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). described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes.
4. Financial and operational capacity and exclusion — described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes.
5a. Evaluation and award: Award criteria, scoring and thresholds — are described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes.
5b. Evaluation and award: Submission and evaluation processes — are described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual .
5c. Evaluation and award: Indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreement — described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes.
6. Legal and financial set-up of the grants — The granting authority may, up to 4 years after the end of the action, object to a transfer of ownership or to the exclusive licensing of results, as set out in the specific provision of Annex 5. Eligible costs will take the form of a lump sum as defined in the Decision of 7 July 2021 authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2021-2027) – and in actions under the Research and Training Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (2021-2025) [[This decision is available on the Funding and Tenders Portal, in the reference documents section for Horizon Europe, under ‘Simplified costs decisions’ or through this link: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/ls-decision_he_en.pdf ]]. 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 HE Programme Guide Model Grant Agreements (MGA) Lump Sum MGA Call-specific instructions Detailed budget table (HE LS) Guidance: "Lump sums - what do I need to know?"
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 Programme Guide 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 Funding & Tenders Portal Terms and Conditions Funding & Tenders Portal Privacy Statement
Evaluators will prioritize proposals that clearly demonstrate a robust technical approach to developing and demonstrating high-voltage PV systems and AC/DC hybrid solutions for industrial applications. Strong emphasis will be placed on the innovation of the proposed designs, the efficiency benefits, the viability of new business models for market participation (dynamic pricing, balancing services), and the reliability and risk mitigation through digitalization. Concrete plans for achieving TRL 8, clear pathways to market, and strong alignment with EU policies like RePowerEU and the Digital Agenda are crucial. The societal and economic benefits for industrial users and the broader energy market must be well-articulated.
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 | |||
| SC1Design higher voltage system architectures and evaluate the efficiency benefit; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC2Develop the blueprint for an AC (Alternating Current)/DC hybrid solution for managing end user loads, achieving high levels of efficiency; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC3Demonstrate a high voltage >3kV operating in DC grids for industrial installations hybrid system; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC4Investigate the impact of higher voltage on PV modules. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC5Demonstrate integrated management of PV generators for dynamic and/or nodal pricing; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC6Pool PV with other consumption/production assets to participate in balancing mechanisms; assess the viability of these systems and demonstrate business models and financing schemes; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC7Demonstrate reliability, procurement driven risk mitigation and better system availability through digitalization. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected outcomes | |||
| EO1Highly efficient PV systems, optimal utilisation of generated PV electricity, energy savings; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO2Decreased levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) and affordable electricity for industrial users. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO3Increased social profitability of PV by participation to ancillary services; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO4Energy efficient, cost competitive and flexible contribution of PV systems to the energy markets. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Other requirements | |||
| No other requirements in this call. | |||
| 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 (e.g., biodiversity, multiple uses of land and water, natural resources, pollution) 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. They benefit also from circular renewable energy technologies that are safe and sustainable by design with reduced and diversified external dependence on critical raw materials [1]. | · | · | 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. Such integration is facilitated through digitalisation and integration of artificial intelligence of renewable energy technologies that provide network stability and reliability. | · | · | 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. Citizens experience less fuel and energy poverty, and also benefit from new employment and upskilling opportunities. Local communities benefit from a more decentralized, affordable, and secure energy system and from multiple uses of land and water. | · | · | 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 . The developed clean, sustainable solutions will contribute to making the energy system work better for actors and supply more reliable, resilient and secure energy – even under increasingly more frequent extreme climate events. | · | · | 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. They will improve the preparedness of the electricity system to support the EU's binding target for 2030 of minimum of 42.5% renewables in the gross final energy consumption (with the aspiration to reach 45%), and full decarbonisation by 2050. They will enable further electrification of demand and will enhance the competitiveness of the European value chain , reduce pressure on resources (also by making technologies ‘circular by design’) and decrease dependencies. Such solutions would also enable a better EU resilience to climate risks. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI9The solutions will improve consumer awareness and engagement in the energy transition, via innovative offers and services (e.g. demand response, energy communities) and will target different types of consumers, including “hard to reach” population groups (such as energy poor or low-income households). This will result in increased trust in, and uptake of the new products and services entering the energy system. | · | · | 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 | |||
| POL1strategic energy technology plan (set plan)The SET Plan aims to accelerate the development and deployment of low-carbon technologies, including CCUS, to meet EU climate and energy targets. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL2repowereuRePowerEU is the European Commission's plan to rapidly reduce dependence on Russian fossil fuels and accelerate the green transition. It focuses on saving energy, producing clean energy, and diversifying energy supplies. A key pillar is the massive scaling up of renewables, including solar PV, and electrification. | · | · | 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).
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.
Industrial sectors face significant operational costs due to energy consumption, often relying on fossil fuels, which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and energy insecurity.
Current PV integration solutions for industrial end-users often lack the efficiency, voltage compatibility, and hybrid AC/DC capabilities required for optimal self-consumption and energy savings.
PV systems, particularly in industrial contexts, are not fully leveraged to provide flexibility, balancing services, or respond to dynamic pricing signals in electricity markets, limiting their social profitability and grid contribution.
There is a gap in demonstrated high-voltage (>3kV) DC grid solutions for industrial installations, which are crucial for achieving higher efficiency and reducing losses in large-scale electrification.
The complexity of integrating PV with industrial loads and market participation requires advanced digital solutions for enhanced reliability, risk mitigation, and system availability, which are currently underdeveloped.
The rapid evolution of PV technology and energy markets necessitates continuous research, development, and dissemination of knowledge to maintain European leadership and accelerate innovation.
Industrial facilities and businesses seeking to electrify their operations with PV, reduce energy costs, and enhance energy independence.
Companies responsible for designing, installing, and maintaining PV systems, especially those focusing on industrial-scale and high-voltage applications.
Entities managing electricity grids and markets, interested in integrating flexible PV assets for grid stability and ancillary services.
Manufacturers and developers of PV modules, inverters, power electronics, and digital control systems for energy management.
Academics and researchers working on advanced PV technologies, power electronics, grid integration, and energy market modelling.
Government bodies and regulatory authorities responsible for shaping energy policies, market frameworks, and promoting renewable energy deployment.
The general public benefiting from a more secure, affordable, and sustainable energy system, and new employment opportunities.
Step 2 of 2 · Build your concept
The long-term impacts your project should drive — this shapes the objectives next.
The project will contribute to the EU's energy security by providing efficient and competitive European renewable energy technologies, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and accelerating progress towards climate neutrality objectives.
The project will foster the development of competitive, resilient, and sustainable European value chains for PV technologies, including emerging ones, with strong export potential, by promoting circularity and reduced dependence on critical raw materials.
Economic sectors, particularly industrial users, will benefit from better integration of PV-based solutions that are competitive, cost-effective, efficient, flexible, and reliable, facilitated by digitalization and AI, leading to reduced LCOE and energy savings.
The developed solutions will increase flexibility and grid hosting capacity for renewables by optimizing cross-sector integration and enabling PV systems to support grid stability and reliability, contributing to the EU's renewable energy targets and resilience to climate risks.
European citizens and local communities will benefit from a more resilient, affordable, and secure energy system, less dependent on fossil fuels, with increased consumer awareness and engagement in the energy transition through innovative offers and services.
European researchers will benefit from a stronger community and a reinforced scientific basis on renewable energy and renewable fuel technologies, including emerging ones, fostering international collaborations and knowledge exchange.