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Official call identifier: HORIZON-CL5-2026-09-D2-01
Objective of the call
This call aims to reduce the EU’s dependency on imported battery-grade raw materials and strengthen European value chains for next-generation battery materials.
It supports sustainable processing and refining technologies or the development of bio-based electrode materials for sodium-ion and next-generation lithium-ion batteries.
The topic contributes to the European Partnership on Batteries (Batt4EU) and supports the EU’s strategic autonomy and competitiveness in the battery sector.
Scope of activities
Proposals must address one of the following two categories:
1. Sustainable processing and refining of next-generation battery-grade materials
Projects must:
- Develop and validate environmentally friendly refining technologies for producing battery-grade metals and advanced electrode materials suitable for sodium-ion batteries or lithium-ion batteries beyond generation 3
- Achieve significant reductions in carbon footprint, ecological impact, pollutant emissions, energy use and chemical inputs, without causing negative trade-offs
- Validate economic viability, environmental sustainability and technological robustness of the proposed solutions
OR
2. Utilising bio-based raw materials for battery electrode materials
Projects must:
- Develop synthetic graphite and/or alternative carbon-based materials derived from European bio-based feedstocks (e.g. biomass, agricultural and forestry residues, lignocellulosic materials), including inactive components such as binders where relevant
- Characterise and validate developed materials in sodium-ion and lithium-ion cells, demonstrating comparable or superior performance to conventional graphite in terms of cycle stability, energy density and charge/discharge rates
- Demonstrate credible pilot-scale production pathways, supported by techno-economic analysis and life-cycle assessment (LCA/LCC)
The Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) framework should be considered as a reference in project proposals.
A balanced portfolio across both categories will be ensured during evaluation.
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:
- Materials processing and refining companies
- Battery material manufacturers (anode, cathode, carbon-based materials)
- Bio-based material developers
- Research and technology organisations specialised in materials science and electrochemistry
- Pilot-scale production technology providers
- Industrial partners across the battery value chain
Legal entities established in China are not eligible to participate in this topic.
Eligible costs
Eligible costs follow the Horizon Europe Lump Sum Grant model and may include:
- Research and development of refining or bio-based production processes
- Pilot-scale validation and testing
- Electrochemical characterisation and performance validation
- Environmental impact assessment (LCA/LCC)
- Techno-economic feasibility studies
- Dissemination and exploitation planning
Funding conditions
Type of action:
Research and Innovation Action (RIA)
Funding rate:
100% of eligible costs
EU contribution per project:
Around EUR 7.1 million
Number of funded projects:
4 projects
Project duration:
Typically 36 months
Technology Readiness Level (TRL):
Activities are expected to achieve TRL 4-5
*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
15 September 2026