This grant supports the demonstration of hydropower technology solutions that enable efficient refurbishment of existing hydropower plants, focusing on socioeconomically and environmentally sustainable practices. Projects must enhance hydropower capabilities in integrating renewable energy, improving technology leadership, and adapting to climate change for sustainable operations in the long run.
General information
- Programme
- Horizon Europe (HORIZON)2021–2027
- Call
- ENERGY HORIZON-CL5-2027-07
- Programme part
- Pillar II · Global Challenges & CompetitivenessCluster 5 · Climate, Energy and Mobility
- Destination
- Ensuring more efficient, sustainable, secure, and competitive renewable and decarbonised energy supply (2026-27)
- Type of action
- HORIZON-IA Innovation Actions
- Type of MGA
- HORIZON-AG-LS HORIZON Lump Sum Grant
- Status
- Forthcoming
- Deadline model
- Single-stage
- Opening date
- 04.08.2027
- Deadline date
- 01.12.2027, 17:00 Brussels time
- Cross-cutting priorities
Budget overview
| Type of action | Budget 2027 | EU contribution per project | Grants | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HORIZON-IAInnovation Actions | €17M | €8.5M | 2 | 01.12.2027 |
Expected outcome
For a renewables-based electricity system sufficient flexible and also in the long-run fully sustainable hydropower capacity is pivotal.
Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:
- Enhancing the capacities of the hydropower fleet to contribute with variable renewables base load to a secure and stable electricity system, including by modernising grid integration and hydropower fleet control.
- Increase technology leadership, competitiveness and technology export potential of European hydropower industry.
- Address challenges of climate change adaptation for a forward-looking and stable operation of sustainable hydropower for the coming decades.
Scope
Demonstration of hydropower technology solutions which allow for efficient and forward-looking refurbishment of existing hydropower plants. Provided solutions must be socioeconomically and environmentally sustainable (including biodiversity) and provide a respective assessment. Issues which can be addressed are for example: Innovative design of turbines (and also draft tubes, nozzles and distributors) and generators, including innovative improvements based on future load cycles and extending their intended life time; new models and simulation tools for harsher operational conditions; digitalisation and artificial intelligence to advance instrumentation and controls and flexibility and to develop innovative operational strategies towards reduced O&M costs; transient aspect linked to new operating patterns of hydro plants to cope with climate changes and renewable base load; new materials for increased efficiency and resistance of equipment and increased performance, life time and resilience of infrastructure including e.g. phasing out of PFAS and mineral oils; low-GHG balance concrete; automated maintenance of metal hydropower turbines to reduce cost; operator hazards and reduce LCoE related to OPEX; Improving water uses resilience via integrated operations and management; simulation and forecasting tools for integrated risk and mitigation analysis for climate change adaptation and in response to extreme weather events by taking fully into account biodiversity requirements by targeting good ecological status and e.g. fish migration; water flows and sediment dynamics not hampering flexible hydropower production, innovative techniques for enhancing the life time of concrete structures and the overtopping safety of embankment and rockfill structures.
Who can apply
- A consortium of at least three independent organisations from three different EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries, at least one from an EU Member State.
- Ukraine has been associated to the programme since 2022: Ukrainian organisations can coordinate and receive funding on equal terms.
- Universities, research organisations, companies (including SMEs), public authorities and NGOs can take part.
Topic-specific condition: 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).In line with the “restriction on control in innovation actions in critical technology areas” delineated in General Annex B of the General Annexes, entities established in an eligible country but which are directly or indirectly controlled by China or by a legal entity established in China are not eligible to participate in the action.
Applicant types in our database: All participants.
How to apply
- Register your organisation on the Funding & Tenders portal and get a PIC (9 digits).
- Build a consortium or join one: use Partner Search on the topic page.
- Download the proposal template (Part A forms, Part B narrative) in the submission system on the topic page.
- Submit by 01.12.2027, 17:00 Brussels time. The system opens on 04.08.2027.
The official topic text, templates and submission are on the Funding & Tenders topic page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the deadline for HORIZON-CL5-2027-07-D3-11?
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Become a partner in a proposal
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