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

Official call identifier: HORIZON-CL5-2026-03-D3-21 

Objective of the call

The objective of this call is to support the development of novel, cost-efficient off-grid energy storage solutions based on renewable energy sources, specifically tailored for critical infrastructures. These include, among others, hospitals, transport hubs, data centres and utility facilities. 

The call aims to strengthen energy security, resilience and operational continuity of critical infrastructures in off-grid or non-interconnected contexts. Projects should address the specific challenges of such environments, including limited grid interaction, storage scalability, multi-energy needs (electricity, heating and cooling), and resilience to shortages of critical materials. Particular emphasis is placed on robustness, reliability and error-free operation, while also considering sustainability, efficiency and performance. 

Scope of activities 

Funded projects are expected to develop and validate innovative off-grid energy storage solutions through simulation, experimentation and real-world use cases. Solutions should be designed for deployment in actual critical infrastructure settings and support decision-making procedures that enhance energy security and resilience against high-impact, low-probability events. 

Where relevant, proposals should also consider interdependencies between critical infrastructures, system redundancy and the ability to operate efficiently in both on-grid and off-grid modes. 

Projects are encouraged to contribute to the reconstruction of Ukraine by including Ukrainian beneficiaries or partners, where appropriate. 

Eligible applicants 

• Innovative SMEs, startups and enterprises aiming to scale and strengthen competitiveness 
• Public-sector organisations driving transformation and societal impact 
• Research and academic institutions commercialising knowledge 
• Non-profit organisations delivering purpose-driven innovation 
• Organisations based in EU Member States, EFTA/EEA, or Associated Countries (described in General Annex A, General Annex B, General Annex C)
• Minimum 3 independent partners from 3 eligible countries 

Specific consortium we are looking for:

• Energy storage technology providers (batteries, hydrogen, thermal and hybrid systems) 
• Infrastructure operators and owners (e.g. hospitals, transport hubs, data centres, utilities) 
• Engineering companies and system integrators 
• Energy service providers and grid-related organisations 
• Research organisations and universities 
• SMEs and industrial partners developing renewable energy and storage solutions 
• Public authorities and entities responsible for critical infrastructure 

Eligible costs 

Eligible costs may include, among others: 

• Research and development activities related to off-grid energy storage technologies 

• System design, integration and validation through simulations and experiments 

• Development of multi-energy solutions (electricity, heating, cooling) 

• Testing and demonstration in real or simulated critical infrastructure environments 

• Activities related to resilience, reliability and operational safety 

• Project management, dissemination and exploitation activities 

All costs must comply with Horizon Europe eligibility rules. 

Funding conditions 

Type of action: 
Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) 

Funding rate: 
Up to 100% of total eligible costs 

EU contribution per project: 
Around EUR 4,000,000 

Number of funded projects: 
Up to 3 projects 

Project duration: 
Typically 36 months 

Technology Readiness Level (TRL): 
Projects are expected to reach TRL 4–5 by the end of the project. 

*Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) describe the maturity of a technology, from basic research (TRL 1) to fully deployed, market-ready solutions (TRL 9). 

Deadline for submission

31 March 2026