Demonstration of hydropower technologies for efficient and forward-looking refurbishment of existing hydropower plants

The Horizon Europe call identified as HORIZON-CL5-2027-07-D3-11 focuses on the demonstration of hydropower technologies aimed at the efficient refurbishment of existing hydropower plants. This call will be open for submissions from August 4, 2027, with a deadline of December 1, 2027. The total budget for this topic is €17 million, specifically earmarked for two grants of approximately €8.5 million each.

The main objectives are to enhance the capacity of hydropower plants to contribute to a secure and stable electricity system alongside variable renewable energy sources, increase the competitiveness of the European hydropower industry, and address challenges related to climate change adaptation. The scope includes innovative turbine and generator designs, new operational strategies incorporating digitalization and artificial intelligence, and advanced materials for improved efficiency and resilience.

Eligible applicants can include universities, research institutions, private companies, and non-profits from EU Member States and associated countries. While no pre-defined co-funding requirement is stated, it is encouraged to demonstrate commitment and financial sustainability through additional contributions.

The application process is straightforward, involving a single-stage submission. Upon submission, proposals will essentially go through a multi-phased evaluation, assessing admissibility, eligibility, financial and operational capacity, and merit based on set criteria.

Participants can expect considerable competition, given the funding structure and the interest behind hydropower modernization. Proposals must demonstrate socio-economic and environmental sustainability and will be evaluated based on how well they incorporate technical innovation, feasibility, and alignment with European energy policy goals.

Applications must comply with specific guidelines, and relevant resources are available for potential applicants seeking to prepare their proposals thoroughly. Overall, this opportunity represents a significant advancement for hydropower technology within the EU's climate and energy transition agenda.

This is a Horizon Europe call, specifically HORIZON-CL5-2027-07-D3-11, focused on "Demonstration of hydropower technologies for efficient and forward-looking refurbishment of existing hydropower plants." It falls under the ENERGY (HORIZON-CL5-2027-07) call and is a HORIZON Innovation Action (HORIZON-IA) with a HORIZON Lump Sum Grant [HORIZON-AG-LS] Model Grant Agreement. The call adopts a single-stage deadline model.

The planned opening date is August 4, 2027, and the deadline for submission is December 1, 2027, at 17:00:00 Brussels time.

The expected outcomes of this call are: Enhancing the capacities of the hydropower fleet to contribute with variable renewables base load to a secure and stable electricity system, including by modernising grid integration and hydropower fleet control. Increase technology leadership, competitiveness and technology export potential of European hydropower industry. Address challenges of climate change adaptation for a forward-looking and stable operation of sustainable hydropower for the coming decades.

The scope of the call involves the demonstration of hydropower technology solutions that enable efficient and forward-looking refurbishment of existing hydropower plants. These solutions must be socioeconomically and environmentally sustainable, including biodiversity considerations, and require a respective assessment. Specific issues to be addressed include:

Innovative design of turbines (including draft tubes, nozzles, and distributors) and generators, with improvements based on future load cycles and extended lifespans.
New models and simulation tools for harsher operational conditions.
Digitalisation and artificial intelligence to advance instrumentation, controls, and flexibility, and to develop innovative operational strategies for reduced operation and maintenance (O&M) costs.
Addressing transient aspects linked to new operating patterns of hydro plants to cope with climate changes and renewable base load.
New materials for increased efficiency and resistance of equipment, and increased performance, life time and resilience of infrastructure, including phasing out of PFAS and mineral oils.
Low-GHG balance concrete.
Automated maintenance of metal hydropower turbines to reduce cost and operator hazards, and to reduce Levelized Cost of Energy (LCoE) related to OPEX.
Improving water uses resilience via integrated operations and management.
Simulation and forecasting tools for integrated risk and mitigation analysis for climate change adaptation and in response to extreme weather events, taking fully into account biodiversity requirements by targeting good ecological status and e.g. fish migration.
Managing water flows and sediment dynamics to avoid hampering flexible hydropower production, and innovative techniques for enhancing the life time of concrete structures and the overtopping safety of embankment and rockfill structures.

Regarding general conditions, the proposal page limit and layout are described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes, and Part B of the Application Form available in the Submission System. 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. See the information in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide.

If projects use satellite-based earth observation, positioning, navigation and/or related timing data and services, beneficiaries must make use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS (other data and services may additionally be used). Subject to restrictions for the protection of European communication networks.

Financial and operational capacity and exclusion are described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes. Evaluation and award criteria, scoring, and thresholds are described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes. Submission and evaluation processes are described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual. The indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreement is described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes.

The granting authority may, up to 4 years after the end of the action, object to a transfer of ownership or to the exclusive licensing of results, as set out in the specific provision of Annex 5. 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. Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes provides additional details. Specific conditions are described in the specific topic of the Work Programme.

Application and evaluation forms and the Model Grant Agreement (MGA) are available: Application form templates are available in the Submission System, including the Standard application form (HE RIA, IA). Evaluation form templates will be used with necessary adaptations, including the Standard evaluation form (HE RIA, IA). Guidance is provided in the HE Programme Guide. The Model Grant Agreements (MGA) include the Lump Sum MGA. Call-specific instructions include a detailed budget table (HE LS) and guidance on lump sums.

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 under the Horizon Europe Programme, 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.

The budget overview indicates that for HORIZON-CL5-2027-07-D3-11, 17,000,000 EUR is allocated, with an indicative number of 2 grants to be awarded. For HORIZON-CL5-2027-07-D3-16, HORIZON-CL5-2027-07-D3-25 and HORIZON-CL5-2027-07-D3-26, 28,500,000 EUR is allocated to each, with an indicative number of 3 grants to be awarded for each topic. For HORIZON-CL5-2027-07-D3-17, 18,000,000 EUR is allocated, with an indicative number of 3 grants to be awarded. For HORIZON-CL5-2027-07-D3-27, 22,500,000 EUR is allocated, with an indicative number of 3 grants to be awarded. For HORIZON-CL5-2027-07-D3-28, 6,000,000 EUR is allocated, with an indicative number of 1 grant to be awarded. For HORIZON-CL5-2027-07-D3-32, 30,000,000 EUR is allocated, with an indicative number of 3 grants to be awarded. All topics follow a single-stage submission process.

Partner search announcements can be viewed and edited by LEARs, Account Administrators, or self-registrants after logging into the portal. The submission system is planned to open on the date stated in the topic header.

Applicants are advised to read all provisions carefully before preparing their application. The Online Manual serves as a guide for procedures from proposal submission to grant management. The Horizon Europe Programme Guide provides detailed guidance on the structure, budget, and political priorities of Horizon Europe. The Funding & Tenders Portal FAQ addresses frequently asked questions. The Research Enquiry Service can answer questions about European research, and National Contact Points (NCPs) offer guidance and practical information. The Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) provides advice to businesses, especially SMEs, including guidance on EU research funding. The IT Helpdesk addresses technical questions related to the Funding & Tenders Portal. The European IPR Helpdesk assists with intellectual property issues, and CEN-CENELEC/ETSI Research Helpdesks advise on standardisation in project proposals. The European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for their recruitment outline the roles, responsibilities, and entitlements of researchers. A Partner Search tool is available to help find partner organisations for proposals.

In summary, this Horizon Europe call aims to modernise and enhance the sustainability of existing hydropower plants through innovative technology solutions. It seeks to improve their contribution to a stable and secure electricity system, increase the competitiveness of the European hydropower industry, and address climate change adaptation. The call encourages projects that demonstrate socioeconomically and environmentally sustainable solutions, incorporating advanced technologies, new materials, and improved operational strategies. The funding is provided as a lump sum, and applicants are advised to consult various guidance documents and support services to prepare their proposals. The call is structured to support innovation actions and coordination activities within the broader Horizon Europe framework.

Eligible Applicant Types: The eligible applicant types are not explicitly stated, but based on the Horizon Europe program and the nature of innovation actions and coordination/support actions, eligible applicants could include: research institutes, universities, SMEs, large enterprises, and other relevant organizations from eligible countries. The partner search functionality also suggests a broad range of eligible entities.

Funding Type: The primary funding mechanism is a grant, specifically a HORIZON Lump Sum Grant. There are two types of actions: HORIZON Innovation Actions (HORIZON-IA) and HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions (HORIZON-CSA).

Consortium Requirement: While not explicitly stated, the nature of Innovation Actions and Coordination and Support Actions within Horizon Europe suggests that consortia are typically required or at least strongly encouraged, especially for Innovation Actions. The presence of a partner search tool further implies that collaborative projects are anticipated.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): Eligible countries are described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes. This typically includes EU member states, associated countries, and potentially some non-EU/non-associated countries with specific provisions, as detailed in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide.

Target Sector: The program targets the energy sector, specifically focusing on hydropower. It includes aspects of climate, energy, and mobility, as indicated by the HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 8. Climate, Energy and Mobility document. The specific focus is on the refurbishment and modernization of existing hydropower plants.

Mentioned Countries: The opportunity mentions EU member states and associated countries as generally eligible. It also refers to "non-EU/non-Associated Countries" that may have specific provisions for funding. Therefore, the regions are EU, EEA and associated countries.

Project Stage: The project stage is primarily demonstration, as the call focuses on "Demonstration of hydropower technology solutions." This suggests projects should be at the validation or demonstration stage, moving towards commercialization. The call specifically mentions "Innovation Actions," implying a focus on projects that are beyond basic research and ready for practical application and scaling.

Funding Amount: The funding amounts vary depending on the specific topic. For the listed topics, the budget ranges are:
HORIZON-CL5-2027-07-D3-11: €17,000,000 (indicative grant of around €8,500,000, 2 grants)
HORIZON-CL5-2027-07-D3-16: €28,500,000 (indicative grant of around €9,500,000, 3 grants)
HORIZON-CL5-2027-07-D3-17: €18,000,000 (indicative grant of around €6,000,000, 3 grants)
HORIZON-CL5-2027-07-D3-25: €28,500,000 (indicative grant of around €9,500,000, 3 grants)
HORIZON-CL5-2027-07-D3-26: €28,500,000 (indicative grant of around €9,500,000, 3 grants)
HORIZON-CL5-2027-07-D3-27: €22,500,000 (indicative grant of around €7,500,000, 3 grants)
HORIZON-CL5-2027-07-D3-28: €6,000,000 (indicative grant of around €6,000,000, 1 grant)
HORIZON-CL5-2027-07-D3-32: €30,000,000 (indicative grant of around €10,000,000, 3 grants)

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 the "Indicative number of grants" provides some insight. For example, a topic with a budget of €17,000,000 aims to fund 2 projects, while a topic with €30,000,000 aims to fund 3 projects. The actual success rate will depend on the number of applications received.

Co-funding Requirement: The need for co-funding is not explicitly stated. However, Horizon Europe Innovation Actions often require some level of co-funding or in-kind contributions from the beneficiaries. This would need to be confirmed in the specific call topic description.

Summary: This Horizon Europe call (ENERGY, HORIZON-CL5-2027-07) focuses on "Demonstration of hydropower technologies for efficient and forward-looking refurbishment of existing hydropower plants." It aims to enhance the capacity of hydropower to contribute to a secure and stable electricity system with variable renewables, increase the competitiveness of the European hydropower industry, and address climate change adaptation. The call is structured around Innovation Actions (IA) and Coordination and Support Actions (CSA), with funding provided as lump sum grants. Eligible applicants include a range of entities from EU member states, associated countries, and potentially other countries with specific agreements. Projects should focus on demonstrating technology solutions for hydropower plant refurbishment, considering socioeconomic and environmental sustainability. The application process is a single-stage open call, with the submission deadline on December 1, 2027. Budgets for individual topics range from €6,000,000 to €30,000,000, with indicative grant amounts varying accordingly. Applicants are encouraged to use the partner search tool to form consortia and should consult the Horizon Europe Programme Guide and other provided documents for detailed guidance. The call seeks to modernize hydropower facilities by integrating innovative designs, advanced materials, digitalization, and AI to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance resilience to climate change, while also considering biodiversity and ecological requirements.