Horizon Europe energy calls advancing the Green Deal

Unnlocking 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, aiming 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, and should set out clear indicators showing how the proposed solution will reduce uncertainty and improve future investment decisions. Community engagement must begin early and continue throughout the project, with environmental impacts on aquifers, biodiversity, water, land and local communities addressed alongside the technical research. Projects are expected to reach TRL 4 to 5.

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 and develop advanced system designs, components, modelling approaches and permitting solutions. Demonstrators must total at least five MW across different European climate or sea zones, chosen so they genuinely test different operating conditions and support a convincing European replication strategy, 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.

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, since data access and rights cannot credibly be left to sort out after the project starts. Projects may use data spaces, federated learning, synthetic data or shared AI training environments to support secure and scalable data exchange, with models addressing 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, and data owners, model developers and operational users should all be represented in the consortium.

Horizon Europe Cluster 5 calls 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 public bodies. Submission deadline: 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, covering the complete chain from feedstock supply and upgrading through to reliable heat and electricity generation, with farmers, foresters, municipalities and other feedstock providers actively involved. Applicants must also consider competing biomass uses, cascading use, biodiversity, water, air quality and soil carbon — and should be able to demonstrate that the value chain is genuinely sustainable at each individual sourcing location, not only when assessed in aggregate at the regional level. A strong business case, exploitation strategy and pathway towards commercial deployment are also expected.

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