Ports of the future (ZEWT Partnership)

Opened

Code: 39041 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL5-2026-05-D5-11 | Programme name: 2939 | Sub-program: Climate, Energy and Mobility (Cluster 5)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 18/12/2025 | End submission calls: 14/04/2026

Ports are important multimodal hubs in the supply chain, linking the sea with the hinterland, evolving into critical hubs and facilitators of sustainable energies, are clusters of industry and circular economy, as well as geo-political and geo-economic resilience. Europe needs ports that are competitive and sustainable on local, regional and global levels, and the Competitiveness Compass calls for a new strategy to highlight the role that European ports will play in the future EU economy.

Large-scale demonstration of Heavy-Duty Battery Electric Vehicles (HD BEV) towards long-haul logistics operations (2ZERO Partnership)

Opened

Code: 39037 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL5-2026-05-D5-01 | Programme name: 2939 | Sub-program: Climate, Energy and Mobility (Cluster 5)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 18/12/2025 | End submission calls: 14/04/2026

The implementation of zero emission vehicles for long-distance heavy-duty freight transport is of key importance to meet the European targets reducing greenhouse gas and air pollutants emissions.

To further accelerate HD-BEV integration in logistic fleets and operations it is essential to identify and address the remaining barriers and challenges of their deployment. These barriers can be related to e.g. limitations in vehicle technology, digital tools, knowledge and user awareness, stakeholder engagement, energy and power availability, charging infrastructure needs such as depot charging and Megawatt Charging System (MCS), permit processes and connection to the grid and services. The challenges for logistics companies’ (also smaller operators) implementing zero emission transport solutions need to be addressed.

Safety of renewable low and zero-carbon waterborne fuels in port areas: risk assessment, regulatory framework, and guidelines for safe bunkering, handling and storage (ZEWT partnership)

Opened

Code: 39034 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL5-2026-05-D5-13 | Programme name: 2939 | Sub-program: Climate, Energy and Mobility (Cluster 5)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 18/12/2025 | End submission calls: 14/04/2026

The rapid transition to low and zero-carbon solutions in maritime and inland waterborne transport requires port authorities and stakeholders to swiftly adapt to supply large quantities of renewable low and zero-carbon fuels and electricity.

However, this shift poses new safety challenges, particularly in port areas where multiple bunkering operations, import/export terminals, and fuel handling and storage activities coexist. The close location of most ports to cities and inhabited areas raises issues of safety on two fronts: the space deficit due to the difficulty of enlarging the port areas in these locations, (leading to e.g. the storage of various fuels in close proximity), and the broader danger to these inhabited areas due to their proximity to the ports and by extension the storage of these fuels.

To ensure a safe and efficient energy transition, it is crucial to assess and mitigate the risks associated with the introduction of renewable low and zero-carbon fuels in port areas. As not all ports will be able to store every type of clean fuel in the port or neighbouring area, safety of transport and distribution within the port area (including anchorage) should also be analysed.

Shipyards of the future (ZEWT Partnership)

Opened

Code: 39031 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL5-2026-05-D5-12 | Programme name: 2939 | Sub-program: Climate, Energy and Mobility (Cluster 5)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 18/12/2025 | End submission calls: 14/04/2026

European shipbuilding industry is facing increasing pressure from international players, and there is a need to improve its competitiveness through innovation and technological advancements.

The MARI-4YARD project together with RESURGAM, FIBRE4YARDS, SMARTYards and PENELOPE developed several solutions on materials, processes, AI and skills. Additionally, the project SEUS in Horizon Europe is developing an integrated software platform with the ambition to save time in engineering, assembly and construction at European shipyards.

However, there is still a need to increase the ambition and demonstrate these solutions in medium and small-size shipyards.

Energy-efficient software-defined EVs (2ZERO Partnership)

Opened

Code: 39028 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL5-2026-05-D5-02 | Programme name: 2939 | Sub-program: Climate, Energy and Mobility (Cluster 5)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 18/12/2025 | End submission calls: 14/04/2026

In the past years a variety of road vehicle technologies on component and sub-system level (e. g. mechanical, electro-mechanical, electro-chemical, etc.) have been developed and offer the potential to be combined and improve user benefits at the embedded system level.

The potential to further leverage these developments with Software Defined Vehicle solutions (e.g. high-level functionality ranging from energy efficiency and performance improvements to personalizing the driving experience) over the lifetime of the vehicle needs to be explored. This would bring together developers working at the embedded system level with those working on high-level functions also to ensure that novel solutions will conform with homologation requirements. Solutions coming from this project must also be compatible with current automotive standards, esp. regarding external infrastructure. Compatibility e.g. with EVSE regarding ISO 15118-20 must be ensured.

AI-assisted digital aircraft design, manufacturing and MRO, towards a competitive aviation

Opened

Code: 39025 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL5-2026-05-D5-07 | Programme name: 2939 | Sub-program: Climate, Energy and Mobility (Cluster 5)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 18/12/2025 | End submission calls: 14/04/2026

This topic focuses on the development of robust AI-assisted capabilities that will work in tandem to digital twins. The term aircraft includes propulsion, aerostructures, systems and their integration, if not explicitly addressed.

Novel solutions for off-grid storage of renewable energy for critical infrastructures

Opened

Code: 39021 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL5-2026-03-D3-21 | Programme name: 2939 | Sub-program: Climate, Energy and Mobility (Cluster 5)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 18/12/2025 | End submission calls: 31/03/2026

Industrial scale up and circularity pathway for IPV technologies (EUPI-PV Partnership)

Opened

Code: 39018 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL5-2026-03-D3-13 | Programme name: 2939 | Sub-program: Climate, Energy and Mobility (Cluster 5)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 18/12/2025 | End submission calls: 31/03/2026

Pre-commercial appraisal for CO2 aquifer storage

Opened

Code: 39015 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL5-2026-03-D3-29 | Programme name: 2939 | Sub-program: Climate, Energy and Mobility (Cluster 5)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 18/12/2025 | End submission calls: 31/03/2026

AI-driven forecasting algorithms for Grid and Consumer friendly Energy Sharing – Societal Readiness pilot

Opened

Code: 39011 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL5-2026-03-D3-22 | Programme name: 2939 | Sub-program: Climate, Energy and Mobility (Cluster 5)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 18/12/2025 | End submission calls: 31/03/2026

Long-lifetime and optimised use of materials in recyclable Ag and In-free Si PV modules (EUPI-PV Partnership)

Opened

Code: 39008 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL5-2026-03-D3-12 | Programme name: 2939 | Sub-program: Climate, Energy and Mobility (Cluster 5)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 18/12/2025 | End submission calls: 31/03/2026

Hybrid AI-Control Framework for a next-generation grid-scale energy storage and system integration

Opened

Code: 39005 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL5-2026-03-D3-20 | Programme name: 2939 | Sub-program: Climate, Energy and Mobility (Cluster 5)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 18/12/2025 | End submission calls: 31/03/2026

Targeting key value chain components for increasing the competitiveness of renewable energy technologies in Europe

Opened

Code: 39002 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL5-2026-03-D3-01 | Programme name: 2939 | Sub-program: Climate, Energy and Mobility (Cluster 5)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 18/12/2025 | End submission calls: 31/03/2026

Grid-forming capabilities for more resilient and RES-based electricity grids

Opened

Code: 38999 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL5-2026-03-D3-18 | Programme name: 2939 | Sub-program: Climate, Energy and Mobility (Cluster 5)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 18/12/2025 | End submission calls: 31/03/2026

Projects are expected to address all the following items:

• Develop new and improved knowledge and insights into the synthetic inertia, frequency control, very fast voltage support, and overall support to the system stability offered by grid-forming inverters (GFIs). Develop and/or update relevant models and simulation tools;
• Develop and demonstrate innovative grid control and grid-forming solutions that leverage the capabilities of GFIs with the view to enable mass deployment of GFIs;
• Address use cases for both transmission- and distribution-level grids, ranging from applications used in residential and commercial domains up to the use in large RES generators (PV or wind) and grid-scale battery storage systems. They could also consider solutions that include LVDC microgrids that are connected to the main AC grids;
• Take a system-wise approach, including control strategies that can effectively encompass wider areas;
• Develop interoperability between different solutions and products from different GFI manufacturers. Devise standardised approaches through the use of hardware in the loop and advanced simulation models for GFIs;
• Leverage modern solutions, including digital twins and artificial intelligence. Use and/or develop, to the greatest extent possible, open-source software solutions and or software modules.
• Develop a manual and propose best practices on this matter to be used by TSOs and DSOs. Propose sets of standardised technical requirements for GFIs, test models and procedures for verification of compliance (for the use of TSOs and DSOs) Identify remaining gaps and further needs for research and development. Suggest market conditions and/or opportunities that would incentivise the deployment at scale of GFIs.

Development of direct recycling processes (BATT4EU Partnership)

Opened

Code: 38996 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL5-2026-03-D2-02 | Programme name: 2939 | Sub-program: Climate, Energy and Mobility (Cluster 5)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 18/12/2025 | End submission calls: 31/03/2026

Proposals under this topic are expected to focus explicitly on the development, validation, and upscaling of direct recycling technologies targeting next-generation and low-value battery chemistries (notably LFP, LMFP, and sodium-ion), as well as efficiently managing gigafactory production scrap.

Affordable and sustainable primary equipment for Future-Ready multi-terminal HVDC Systems

Opened

Code: 38993 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL5-2026-03-D3-19 | Programme name: 2939 | Sub-program: Climate, Energy and Mobility (Cluster 5)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 18/12/2025 | End submission calls: 31/03/2026

As Europe progresses towards sustainable energy, high-voltage direct current (HVDC) systems are vital for the efficient transmission of renewable energy.

To optimize these systems, challenges like component size, reliability, affordability, interoperability, supply chain resilience and life-cycle environmental impact of critical HVDC equipment must be addressed.

Thematic Networks of Excellence for AI in Science – Agriculture and Environmental Pollution (RAISE pilot)

Opened

Code: 38980 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-RAISE-2026-01-02 | Programme name: 2939 | Start submission calls: 06/01/2026 | End submission calls: 21/04/2026

The aim of this topic is to establish a network of excellent labs across Europe, dedicated to collaborative research using AI in strategic and promising scientific areas or domains, piloting RAISE and aligning research efforts.

Thematic Networks of Excellence for AI in Science (RAISE pilot) (RIA)

Opened

Code: 38977 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-RAISE-2026-01-01 | Programme name: 2939 | Start submission calls: 06/01/2026 | End submission calls: 21/04/2026

The aim of this topic is to establish networks of excellent labs across Europe, dedicated to collaborative research using AI in strategic and promising scientific areas or domains, piloting RAISE and aligning research efforts.

Hop-On Facility

Opened

Code: 38974 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-03-WIDENING-01 | Programme name: 2939 | Sub-program: Widening Participation and Spreading Excellence (2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 13/01/2026 | End submission calls: 24/09/2026

The Hop-on Facility integrates one additional beneficiary from a Widening country to an ongoing project under Pillar 2 or the EIC pathfinder scheme who contributes a relevant task, work package or another visible and distinguishable activity.

MSCA Staff Exchanges 2026

Opened

Code: 38971 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-MSCA-2026-SE-01-01 | Programme name: 2939 | Sub-program: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) (2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 16/12/2025 | End submission calls: 16/04/2026

MSCA Staff Exchanges involve organisations from the academic and non-academic sectors (including SMEs) from across the globe. International cooperation through the participation of organisations from non-associated third countries is strongly encouraged.

Support is provided for international, inter-sectoral and interdisciplinary mobility of R&I staff leading to knowledge transfer between participating organisations.