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

The expected outcomes of projects funded under this topic are:Development and testing of AI-driven forecasting algorithms using machine learning to optimize collective self-consumption through energy sharing. Upscaling AI tools and models for grid balancing and forecasting to ensure consumer participation in a distributed energy system. Analysis of social interactions using game-theoretic models to highlight the role of active consumers and communities. A deeper understanding of the needs and concerns of diverse social groups affected by the technology. Improvement of operation and maintenance of the grid and distributed assets.

The general conditions include:Admissibility Conditions, with proposal page limits and layout described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes and Part B of the Application Form. Eligible Countries are described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes, with specific provisions for non-EU/non-Associated Countries outlined in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide. Other Eligible Conditions include restrictions on control by Chinese entities and the use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS for projects using satellite data. Financial and operational capacity and exclusion are described in Annex C. Evaluation and award criteria, submission and evaluation processes, and the indicative timeline are described in Annexes D and F, respectively, and the Online Manual. Legal and financial setup of the grants allows the granting authority to object to ownership transfer or exclusive licensing of results for up to 4 years. Eligible costs will be in the form of a lump sum, as defined in the Decision of 7 July 2021. Annex G provides additional details. Specific conditions are described in the specific topic of the Work Programme.

Additional documents include:HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 1. General Introduction, HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 8. Climate, Energy and Mobility, HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 15. General Annexes, HE Programme Guide, HE Framework Programme 2021/695, HE Specific Programme Decision 2021/764, EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509, Decision authorising the use of lump sum contributions, Rules for Legal Entity Validation, LEAR Appointment and Financial Capacity Assessment, EU Grants AGA Annotated Model Grant Agreement, Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual, Funding & Tenders Portal Terms and Conditions, and Funding & Tenders Portal Privacy Statement.

Eligible Applicant Types:The eligible applicant types are not explicitly stated in the provided text. However, given the context of Horizon Europe, HORIZON-RIA (Research and Innovation Actions) and HORIZON-IA (Innovation Actions), eligible applicants are likely to include universities, research institutes, SMEs, large enterprises, and other organizations capable of conducting research and innovation activities. The mention of LEARs (Legal Entity Appointed Representatives) and Account Administrators suggests that formally registered entities are required.

Funding Type:The primary financial mechanism is a grant, specifically a HORIZON Lump Sum Grant, as indicated by the type of MGA (Model Grant Agreement) being HORIZON-AG-LS. Eligible costs will take the form of a lump sum as defined in the Decision of 7 July 2021 authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme.

Consortium Requirement:The text does not explicitly state whether a single applicant or a consortium is required. However, the presence of a "Partner Search" function and the general nature of Horizon Europe projects suggest that consortia are common and potentially encouraged, but not necessarily mandatory.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility):Eligible countries are described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes. A number of non-EU/non-Associated Countries that are not automatically eligible for funding have made specific provisions for making funding available for their participants in Horizon Europe projects. 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.

Target Sector:The program targets the energy sector, specifically focusing on batteries and energy storage, smart grids, AI-driven forecasting algorithms, machine learning, energy communities, and consumer participation in a decentralized energy system. The call is part of the "BATTERIES and ENERGY (HORIZON-CL5-2026-03)" call.

Mentioned Countries:China is explicitly mentioned as a country whose controlled entities are not eligible to participate. Non-EU/non-Associated Countries are mentioned as having specific provisions for funding their participants. The eligible countries are described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes.

Project Stage:The project stage is geared towards innovation actions (IA) and research and innovation actions (RIA), suggesting projects should be at the development, validation, or demonstration stage, with a clear path towards practical application and societal readiness.

Funding Amount:The funding amounts vary depending on the specific topic within the call, ranging from €9,000,000 to €31,500,000 per topic. The indicative number of grants per topic also varies, typically between 2 and 5. For example, HORIZON-CL5-2026-03-D3-19 has a budget of €24,000,000 and an indicative grant range of €4,000,000 to €12,000,000, with 3 grants expected. HORIZON-CL5 has a budget of €12,000,000 and expects to award around 2 grants with an average of €6,000,000 per grant.

Application Type:The application type is an open call, with a single-stage submission process.

Nature of Support:Beneficiaries will receive money in the form of a lump sum grant.

Application Stages:The application process is single-stage.

Success Rates:The success rates are not explicitly mentioned, but can be inferred from the budget overview. For example, HORIZON-CL5 has a budget of €12,000,000 and aims to award around 2 grants.

Co-funding Requirement:The text does not explicitly mention a co-funding requirement. However, Horizon Europe projects often involve the beneficiary providing some level of resources.

Summary:This Horizon Europe call, part of the "BATTERIES and ENERGY (HORIZON-CL5-2026-03)" program, seeks to fund projects that develop and test AI-driven forecasting algorithms and machine learning processes to optimize energy sharing and self-consumption in energy communities. The call aims to upscale AI tools for grid balancing, improve consumer participation in distributed energy systems, and enhance the operation and maintenance of energy grids. It emphasizes a societal readiness pilot approach, requiring interdisciplinary teams with SSH expertise to address societal needs and concerns related to the technology. Funding is provided as lump sum grants, with varying budgets and grant sizes depending on the specific topic, and is open to eligible entities from EU and associated countries, with certain restrictions on entities controlled by China. The application process is a single-stage open call, with a deadline of March 31, 2026. Successful projects are expected to contribute to the BRIDGE initiative and actively participate in its activities.