De-risking wave energy technology development through transnational pre-commercial procurement of wave energy research and development

The EU funding opportunity titled "HORIZON-CL5-2026-02-D3-13," focuses on "De-risking wave energy technology development through transnational pre-commercial procurement of wave energy research and development." This initiative aims to advance the development of cost-effective wave energy converters that can effectively operate in challenging marine environments. The primary objective is to facilitate the transition of wave energy technologies to commercial viability by addressing various technical and market challenges through a structured pre-commercial procurement (PCP) approach.

Proposals are expected to demonstrate a clear alignment with specific challenges in wave energy technology, ensuring that they meet mid-to-long-term innovation goals. The initiative emphasizes the importance of operating prototypes in real sea conditions, which is essential for building confidence and enabling widespread deployment of wave technologies. The program builds upon the EuropeWave PCP action, which established a framework for assessing the progression of wave energy innovations from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 to TRL 7/8, ultimately preparing solutions for commercial-scale testing.

Eligible applicants include at least three legal entities from different member states or Horizon Europe associated countries, along with a minimum of two public procurers. This requirement fosters collaboration among diverse stakeholders involved in wave energy R&D. The PCP process will consist of two main phases: the Preparation Phase, where common performance standards are developed and technologies advance to TRL 7/8, and the Execution Phase, which focuses on executing procurement contracts and ensuring at least two commercial-scale demonstrations over a minimum of 12 months.

The total funding for this call is set at EUR 20 million, with a funding rate of 50% of eligible costs, requiring co-funding from applicants to cover the remaining expenses. The application process is structured as a single-stage open call, with a deadline for submissions on February 17, 2026. This program is anticipated to boost the efficiency, reliability, and marketability of wave energy technologies while enhancing understanding of their environmental and socio-economic impacts.

The initiative also aims to promote effective market uptake by increasing the bankability of innovations, thus fostering successful commercialization. It encourages resource pooling and collaboration at both national and EU levels, amplifying the development trajectory of wave energy solutions aligned with the EU's broader objectives for energy, climate, and mobility. Partner search announcements are available to assist prospective applicants in finding collaborators, strengthening the overall push toward advancing wave energy technology in Europe.

The EU Funding Opportunity HORIZON-CL5-2026-02-D3-13, titled "De-risking wave energy technology development through transnational pre-commercial procurement of wave energy research and development," aims to foster the development and demonstration of cost-effective wave energy converters capable of withstanding harsh marine environments. This initiative seeks to propel wave energy technologies to the market by addressing key challenges and de-risking activities through pre-commercial procurement (PCP).

The expected outcomes of this funding opportunity are multi-faceted. Energy producers and consumers are anticipated to benefit from enhanced efficiency, flexibility, reduced costs, and improved reliability and security in comparison to existing wave energy technologies. Wave energy technology providers are expected to experience accelerated technology development, successful demonstrations, and de-risking of their technologies, paving the way for commercial exploitation. Improved access to financing is also foreseen, driven by a better understanding of technological solutions and their bankability, which should lead to effective market uptake and viable business models. Furthermore, the initiative aims to increase knowledge and provide monitoring and assessment tools regarding the environmental, biodiversity, and socio-economic impacts of wave energy technologies. A detailed analysis of current and potential future cost reduction pathways, along with the creation of a robust business plan for full-scale commercialization, is also expected. Finally, the action seeks to pool resources at national and EU levels, providing a significant boost to wave energy technology development.

The scope of this funding opportunity centers on the development and demonstration of wave energy converters through demand-driven PCP. It is specifically targeted at proposals that effectively steer wave energy development at the European level and facilitate the market entry of these technologies. The operation of wave energy prototypes in real sea conditions is considered crucial for building confidence in the devices and enabling large-scale deployment. The EuropeWave PCP action, which introduced the ocean energy stage-gate process, serves as a foundation, with this action aiming to advance wave energy technologies to Stage 4 (TRL 7/8). Designs must complete Stage 4 activities of the IEA-OES Framework Evaluation Areas, encompassing technical, socio-economic, and sustainability aspects.

Proposals must articulate a jointly identified challenge, aligning it with mid-to-long-term innovation plans and justifying why existing market solutions or those under development fail to meet their needs.

The activities supported by this funding opportunity include networking for preparation, management, and coordination, as well as joint research activities focused on validating the PCP strategy. Consortia must include at least three legal entities from different member states or Horizon Europe associated countries, along with a minimum of two public procurers. Other entities with clear added value in PCP preparation, execution, or coordination may also be considered.

The proposed action is structured into two main phases:

Preparation Phase: Participating users/buyers of R&D services should agree on common performance levels and specifications for wave energy systems. Funding from users/buyers and the EU will be used to advance wave energy technologies to TRL 7/8. The procurement is open to entities in the EU or Horizon Europe associated countries, with a requirement for proposed technologies to demonstrate satisfactory completion of Stage 3 activities. A phased approach may be used to qualify developers for Stage 4 demonstration, and demonstrators do not need to be tested at the same site. Expected results include completed tender documents, a signed joint procurement agreement, and final confirmation of the lead procurer.

Execution Phase: This phase focuses on implementing the PCP and its contracts. The procurement will be executed as a single joint procedure, potentially with different lots. Research and specification works should lead to at least two commercial-scale demonstrators tested for at least 12 months in a representative site, following IEA-OES stage-gate metrics. Results will be shared to accelerate technology development and establish guidelines and standards. At least one demonstrator is expected to be ready for operational testing at commercial scale by the end of the action, with designs ready for Stage 5 activities (commercial-scale array demonstration).

The general conditions cover admissibility, eligible countries, financial and operational capacity, exclusion criteria, evaluation and award processes, and the legal and financial setup of grants, all detailed in the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes and related guidance documents. The funding rate is 50% of eligible costs.

Specific conditions are described in the specific topic of the Work Programme. Application forms, evaluation forms, model grant agreements, and additional guidance documents are available through the Submission System and the Funding & Tenders Portal.

The budget overview lists various HORIZON actions, including HORIZON-IA (Innovation Actions), HORIZON-RIA (Research and Innovation Actions), HORIZON-PCP (Pre-commercial Procurement), and HORIZON-CSA (Coordination and Support Actions), with their respective budgets, stages, opening dates, deadlines, contributions, and indicative number of grants. The HORIZON-CL5-2026-02-D3-13 action, which is a HORIZON-PCP, has a budget of 20,000,000 EUR and aims to award around 1 grant. The opening date is planned for 16 September 2025, and the deadline is 17 February 2026.

Partner search announcements are available on the Funding & Tenders Portal, allowing potential applicants to find partners for collaboration.

In summary, this funding opportunity is designed to de-risk and advance wave energy technology development through pre-commercial procurement, focusing on cost-effective and robust wave energy converters. It encourages collaboration among European entities, including public procurers, to bring wave energy technologies closer to commercial readiness and market uptake, contributing to the EU's renewable energy goals. The initiative involves a structured approach with preparation and execution phases, aiming to demonstrate technologies in real-sea conditions and establish industry standards.

Eligible Applicant Types: The eligible applicant types include legal entities established in different member states or Horizon Europe associated countries, and a minimum of two 'public procurers'. Other entities with a clear added value in the preparation and/or execution of the PCP or in coordination and networking activities might be considered. Participating users/buyers of R&D services (with either a pan-European, national, or regional focus) are also mentioned. The procurement is open to any entities established in the EU or countries associated to Horizon Europe.

Funding Type: The funding type is pre-commercial procurement (PCP). This is specified as a HORIZON Pre-commercial Procurement action. The type of MGA (Model Grant Agreement) is HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based [HORIZON-AG].

Consortium Requirement: A consortium is required. The consortium should include at least three legal entities established in different member states or Horizon Europe associated countries, as well as a minimum of two 'public procurers'.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The geographic eligibility includes the EU and countries associated to Horizon Europe. Non-EU/non-Associated Countries that have made specific provisions for funding their participants in Horizon Europe projects are also eligible.

Target Sector: The target sector is energy, specifically wave energy technology. The program aims to develop and demonstrate cost-effective wave energy converters. It also touches on climate and mobility, as indicated by the reference to HE Main Work Programme 2025 – 8. Climate, Energy and Mobility.

Mentioned Countries: The opportunity explicitly mentions EU member states and Horizon Europe associated countries. It also refers to non-EU/non-Associated Countries that have specific provisions for funding participants in Horizon Europe projects.

Project Stage: The project stage is primarily focused on development and demonstration, specifically bringing wave energy technologies from Stage 3 (TRL 6) to Stage 4 (TRL 7/8) and eventually ready to proceed to Stage 5 activities of the IEA-OES Framework Evaluation Areas (Commercial-scale array demonstration).

Funding Amount: The budget for the HORIZON-CL5-2026-02-D3-13 topic, which is the HORIZON Pre-commercial Procurement, is EUR 20,000,000. The funding rate is 50% of the eligible costs. Other topics listed have varying budgets.

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 grants to fund pre-commercial procurement activities. The funding rate is 50% of the eligible costs.

Application Stages: The application process is a single-stage process.

Success Rates: The indicative number of grants for the HORIZON-CL5-2026-02-D3-13 topic is 1. Success rates can be inferred from the budget overview, where the indicative number of grants is provided for each topic.

Co-funding Requirement: Yes, co-funding is required. The funding rate is 50% of the eligible costs, implying that the applicant or other parties must provide the remaining 50%.

Summary:

This Horizon Europe funding opportunity, HORIZON-CL5-2026-02-D3-13, focuses on "De-risking wave energy technology development through transnational pre-commercial procurement of wave energy research and development." It aims to advance wave energy converters to a point where they are cost-effective and can withstand harsh marine environments. The program utilizes a pre-commercial procurement (PCP) approach, encouraging consortia to include at least three legal entities from different EU member states or Horizon Europe associated countries, including a minimum of two public procurers. The goal is to progress wave energy technologies from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 to TRL 7/8, ultimately preparing designs for commercial-scale array demonstrations. The EU provides 50% of the eligible costs, requiring co-funding from the applicants. The call is a single-stage submission, with a deadline of February 17, 2026. The total budget for this specific topic is EUR 20,000,000, with an indicative number of 1 grant to be awarded. The program seeks to improve the efficiency, flexibility, and security of wave energy technologies, while also fostering market uptake and commercialization. The initiative also aims to increase knowledge and understanding of the environmental and socio-economic impacts of wave energy technologies. This opportunity is part of the broader Horizon Europe Programme, specifically under Cluster 5, and aligns with the EU's goals for climate, energy, and mobility.