Improved reliability and optimised operations and maintenance for wind energy systems

This is a Horizon Europe grant opportunity under Cluster 5 for "Improved reliability and optimised operations and maintenance for wind energy systems," specifically targeting project topic HORIZON-CL5-2026-02-D3-07. It is categorized as a Horizon Research and Innovation Action (RIA) and involves a lump sum grant model. The application process is single-stage, with a planned opening date of September 16, 2025, and a submission deadline of February 17, 2026.

The expected outcomes include enhancing the reliability of wind energy systems, minimizing operational and financial risks, and bolstering the European wind energy supply chain. Proposals should address at least four specific aspects, such as developing tools for reliability analysis, optimizing operation and maintenance strategies, and creating innovative digital solutions for system monitoring and management. The solutions must provide evidence supporting the components addressed and should be standardizable.

Eligible applicants primarily include universities, research institutes, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and large enterprises based in EU and associated countries. The funding amount ranges between 1 million to 5 million euros, typically granted per project based on the budget allocations outlined.

The application does not require co-funding and follows a transparent evaluation criterion, although specific success rates and additional co-funding details have not been disclosed. Clear guidelines are provided on admissibility, financial capacities, and legal requirements for participation.

This opportunity encourages collaboration among multiple partners to leverage collective expertise in boosting the efficiency and safety of wind energy systems, which play a significant role in European energy sustainability efforts. The grant aims to standardize and enhance technological capacities within the sector to improve competitiveness on a global scale.

This is a Horizon Europe (HORIZON) Call Cluster 5 Call 02-2026 (WP 2025) funding opportunity focused on Improved reliability and optimised operations and maintenance for wind energy systems, specifically topic HORIZON-CL5-2026-02-D3-07. It is a HORIZON Research and Innovation Action (HORIZON-RIA) with a HORIZON Lump Sum Grant [HORIZON-AG-LS] Model Grant Agreement (MGA). The deadline model is single-stage. The planned opening date is 16 September 2025, and the deadline is 17 February 2026 at 17:00:00 Brussels time.

The expected outcomes of the projects funded under this topic are to limit the risks related to wind energy systems (e.g., operational, financial, climate) and thus reduce the wind energy projects’ uncertainties, and to strengthen the European wind energy supply chain's strategic autonomy, technology leadership, competitiveness, and technology export potential.

The scope of the proposals should address at least four of the following aspects:

1.  Develop and validate solutions to increase the reliability of wind energy systems and their components, thus ensuring security of supply and further reducing the environmental impacts.
2.  Develop new methods, computational techniques and tools to analyse and predict the reliability of wind energy systems, considering the analysis of the failure modes of existing systems and including a focus on new analytical approaches, technologies and materials.
3.  Develop new methods and tools for condition and health monitoring of wind energy systems and their components.
4.  Develop and validate solutions to optimise the operation and maintenance of wind energy systems and their components, for example through improved scheduling and predictive maintenance, autonomous tools, robots and vehicles, semi-automated inspection methods or advanced repair methods.
5.  Develop and validate new components to be incorporated in structures’ designs to improve the safety and efficiency on-site during maintenance activities in wind farms.
6.  Develop and validate innovative digital tools to facilitate wind farm operation and maintenance, for instance through improved interoperability, decision-making support tools, condition and health monitoring techniques and innovative sensors, while ensuring increased cybersecurity and data sharing.

The solutions proposed have to provide solid evidence to support the choice of the sub-systems and components in focus. They have to be critical for the overall reliability of the wind energy systems. For instance, in the case of floating offshore wind, these could be dynamic cables, moorings and connection systems (electrical and mechanical) and their interaction with complex ocean flows.

Particular efforts should be made to ensure that the data produced in the context of this topic is FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Re-usable).

Digitalisation plays a prominent role under various perspectives, for instance in terms of improved predictive maintenance activities and advanced sensors technologies for diagnostics, condition and health monitoring of the power electronics, and structural health assessment and monitoring.

Projects should aim at reducing downtime and operational costs, enhancing safety protocols for maintenance crews, and increasing the overall lifespan and efficiency of wind energy assets.

These solutions should be easily standardised and/or should take into account current standardisation efforts, notwithstanding the TRL level envisaged for the projects developed under this topic.

The general conditions for this call include:

1.  Admissibility Conditions: Proposal page limit and layout 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.
2.  Eligible Countries 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, as detailed in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide.
3.  Other Eligible Conditions include exceptions subject to restrictions for the protection of European communication networks, as described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes.
4.  Financial and operational capacity and exclusion are described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes.
5.  Evaluation and award:
 *  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.
 *  Indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreement is described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes.
6.  Legal and financial set-up of the grants: 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 and the Research and Training Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (2021-2025), as described in Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes.

The application and evaluation forms and model grant agreement (MGA) include:

*  Application form templates available in the Submission System (Standard application form (HE RIA, IA)).
*  Evaluation form templates that will be used with necessary adaptations (Standard evaluation form (HE RIA, IA)).
*  Guidance from the HE Programme Guide.
*  Model Grant Agreements (MGA) using the Lump Sum MGA.
*  Call-specific instructions and a detailed budget table (HE LS).
*  Guidance: "Lump sums - what do I need to know?"

Additional documents include:

*  HE Main Work Programme 2025 – 1. General Introduction
*  HE Main Work Programme 2025 – 8. Climate, Energy and Mobility
*  HE Main Work Programme 2025 – 14. 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
*  Funding & Tenders Portal Privacy Statement

The budget overview for this topic and related topics is as follows:

*  HORIZON-CL5-2026-02-D3-01 - HORIZON-IA HORIZON Innovation Actions: 33,000,000 EUR, single-stage, opening 2025-09-16, deadline 2026-02-17, around 11,000,000 EUR contribution, 3 indicative number of grants
*  HORIZON-CL5-2026-02-D3-02 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions: 8,000,000 EUR, single-stage, opening 2025-09-16, deadline 2026-02-17, around 4,000,000 EUR contribution, 2 indicative number of grants
*  HORIZON-CL5-2026-02-D3-05 - HORIZON-IA HORIZON Innovation Actions: 15,000,000 EUR, single-stage, opening 2025-09-16, deadline 2026-02-17, around 7,500,000 EUR contribution, 2 indicative number of grants
*  HORIZON-CL5-2026-02-D3-07 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions: 15,000,000 EUR, single-stage, opening 2025-09-16, deadline 2026-02-17, around 5,000,000 EUR contribution, 3 indicative number of grants
*  HORIZON-CL5-2026-02-D3-08 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions: 15,000,000 EUR, single-stage, opening 2025-09-16, deadline 2026-02-17, around 5,000,000 EUR contribution, 3 indicative number of grants
*  HORIZON-CL5-2026-02-D3-10 - HORIZON-IA HORIZON Innovation Actions: 24,000,000 EUR, single-stage, opening 2025-09-16, deadline 2026-02-17, around 8,000,000 EUR contribution, 3 indicative number of grants
*  HORIZON-CL5-2026-02-D3-12 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions: 8,000,000 EUR, single-stage, opening 2025-09-16, deadline 2026-02-17, around 4,000,000 EUR contribution, 2 indicative number of grants
*  HORIZON-CL5-2026-02-D3-13 - HORIZON-PCP HORIZON Pre-commercial Procurement: 20,000,000 EUR, single-stage, opening 2025-09-16, deadline 2026-02-17, around 20,000,000 EUR contribution, 1 indicative number of grants
*  HORIZON-CL5-2026-02-D3-14 - HORIZON-CSA HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions: 6,000,000 EUR, single-stage, opening 2025-09-16, deadline 2026-02-17, around 2,000,000 EUR contribution, 3 indicative number of grants
*  HORIZON-CL5-2026-02-D3-18 - HORIZON-IA HORIZON Innovation Actions: 18,000,000 EUR, single-stage, opening 2025-09-16, deadline 2026-02-17, around 9,000,000 EUR contribution, 2 indicative number of grants
*  HORIZON-CL5-2026-02-D3-19 - HORIZON-IA HORIZON Innovation Actions: 16,000,000 EUR, single-stage, opening 2025-09-16, deadline 2026-02-17, around 8,000,000 EUR contribution, 2 indicative number of grants
*  HORIZON-CL5-2026-02-D3-20 - HORIZON-IA HORIZON Innovation Actions: 20,000,000 EUR, single-stage, opening 2025-09-16, deadline 2026-02-17, around 10,000,000 EUR contribution, 2 indicative number of grants
*  HORIZON-CL5-2026-02-D3-22 - HORIZON-IA HORIZON Innovation Actions: 18,000,000 EUR, single-stage, opening 2025-09-16, deadline 2026-02-17, around 9,000,000 EUR contribution, 2 indicative number of grants
*  HORIZON-CL5-2026-02-D3-24 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions: 18,000,000 EUR, single-stage, opening 2025-09-16, deadline 2026-02-17, around 6,000,000 EUR contribution, 3 indicative number of grants
*  HORIZON-CL5-2026-02-D4-01 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions: 15,000,000 EUR, single-stage, opening 2025-09-16, deadline 2026-02-17, around 5,000,000 EUR contribution, 3 indicative number of grants
*  HORIZON-CL5-2026-02-D4-02 - HORIZON-IA HORIZON Innovation Actions: 12,000,000 EUR, single-stage, opening 2025-09-16, deadline 2026-02-17, around 4,000,000 EUR contribution, 3 indicative number of grants
*  HORIZON-CL5-2026-02-D4-03 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions: 15,000,000 EUR, single-stage, opening 2025-09-16, deadline 2026-02-17, around 5,000,000 EUR contribution, 3 indicative number of grants
*  HORIZON-CL5-2026-02-D4-04 - HORIZON-IA HORIZON Innovation Actions: 15,000,000 EUR, single-stage, opening 2025-09-16, deadline 2026-02-17, around 5,000,000 EUR contribution, 3 indicative number of grants
*  HORIZON-CL5-2026-02-D4-05 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions: 12,000,000 EUR, single-stage, opening 2025-09-16, deadline 2026-02-17, around 4,000,000 EUR contribution, 3 indicative number of grants
*  HORIZON-CL5-2026-02-D4-06 - HORIZON-IA HORIZON Innovation Actions: 15,000,000 EUR, single-stage, opening 2025-09-16, deadline 2026-02-17, around 7,500,000 EUR contribution, 2 indicative number of grants

There are 20 partner search announcements available for collaboration on this topic. LEARs, Account Administrators or self-registrants can publish partner requests for open and forthcoming topics after logging into this Portal, as well as any user having an active public Person profile. The submission system is planned to be opened on the date stated on the topic header. There are 0 item(s) found in Topic Q&As.

For general support, applicants are encouraged to read all provisions carefully before preparing their application and to consult the Online Manual for guidance on procedures from proposal submission to grant management. The Horizon Europe Programme Guide contains detailed guidance on the structure, budget, and political priorities of Horizon Europe. Applicants can find answers to frequently asked questions on the Funding & Tenders Portal FAQ and can direct specific questions to the Research Enquiry Service. National Contact Points (NCPs) are available to provide guidance, practical information, and assistance on participation in Horizon Europe, including NCPs in many non-EU and non-associated countries. The Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) can advise businesses, especially SMEs, with guidance on EU research funding. The Funding & Tenders Portal IT helpdesk can assist with technical questions. The European IPR Helpdesk assists with intellectual property issues. CEN-CENELEC Research Helpdesk and ETSI Research Helpdesk advise on tackling standardisation in project proposals. Applicants should also consult the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for their recruitment and can use the Partner Search to find partner organisations for their proposals.

In summary, this Horizon Europe call aims to improve the reliability and efficiency of wind energy systems through research and innovation. It seeks proposals that develop and validate solutions, methods, tools, components, and digital tools to reduce risks, optimise operations, enhance safety, and increase the lifespan and efficiency of wind energy assets. The call encourages projects that address at least four key aspects, such as increasing reliability, predicting system failures, monitoring system health, optimising operations, and developing innovative digital tools. The funding is provided as a lump sum, and the call is open to a wide range of participants, including those from non-EU countries. The overall goal is to strengthen the European wind energy supply chain and promote its global competitiveness.

Eligible Applicant Types: The eligible applicant types are not explicitly stated in the provided text. However, given that it is a Horizon Europe call, eligible applicants typically include universities, research institutes, SMEs, large enterprises, and other organizations involved in research and innovation. The mention of LEARs (Legal Entity Appointed Representatives) and Account Administrators suggests that registered legal entities are the primary applicants.

Funding Type: The funding type is primarily a grant, specifically a HORIZON Lump Sum Grant, as indicated by the "Type of MGA: HORIZON Lump Sum Grant [HORIZON-AG-LS]" and the reference to the "Decision authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme." There are also mentions of HORIZON Pre-commercial Procurement.

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 nature of Horizon Europe projects suggest that consortia are common and potentially encouraged, although single applicants might be possible depending on the specific topic requirements.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The primary geographic eligibility appears to be EU and associated countries, as indicated by "Eligible Countries described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes" and the mention of "non-EU/non-Associated Countries." The text also states that "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."

Target Sector: The primary target sector is energy, specifically wind energy systems. This includes aspects of climate, energy, and mobility, as indicated by "HE Main Work Programme 2025 – 8. Climate, Energy and Mobility." The program targets improvements in reliability, optimized operations, and maintenance of wind energy systems.

Mentioned Countries: The text refers to "EU" and "non-EU/non-Associated Countries." Therefore, the regions mentioned are the European Union and non-associated third countries.

Project Stage: The project stage varies depending on the specific type of action. HORIZON-RIA (Research and Innovation Actions) typically targets projects in the research and development stages, while HORIZON-IA (Innovation Actions) targets projects closer to demonstration and validation. HORIZON-PCP (Pre-commercial Procurement) targets projects that are in the pre-commercial procurement stage. The call aims to standardize solutions, indicating a technology readiness level (TRL) that allows for standardization.

Funding Amount: The funding amounts vary significantly depending on the specific topic. The budget overview lists topics with budgets ranging from €6,000,000 to €33,000,000. The indicative number of grants per topic also varies, ranging from 1 to 3.

Application Type: The application type is an open call with a single-stage submission process, as indicated by "Deadline model: single-stage" and "Planned opening date: 16 September 2025" and "Deadline date: 17 February 2026."

Nature of Support: The beneficiaries will receive money in the form of a lump sum grant, as indicated by "Type of MGA: HORIZON Lump Sum Grant [HORIZON-AG-LS]."

Application Stages: The application process involves a single stage, as indicated by "Deadline model: single-stage."

Success Rates: The success rates are not explicitly mentioned.

Co-funding Requirement: The text does not explicitly mention a co-funding requirement. However, Horizon Europe grants often involve some level of co-funding, which may be detailed in the specific call documents.

Summary: This is a Horizon Europe Cluster 5 call for proposals focused on improving the reliability, operations, and maintenance of wind energy systems. The call is structured around several topics, each with a specific budget and number of grants. The funding mechanisms include Research and Innovation Actions (RIA), Innovation Actions (IA), Pre-commercial Procurement (PCP), and Coordination and Support Actions (CSA). Eligible applicants include a range of organizations from EU and associated countries, with some provisions for non-EU countries. Projects should aim to limit risks, strengthen the European wind energy supply chain, and address aspects such as reliability, predictive maintenance, digitalization, and safety. The application process is a single-stage open call, with funding provided as a lump sum grant. Applicants are encouraged to form consortia and should consult the Horizon Europe Programme Guide and other resources for detailed guidance. The call aims to support projects that can contribute to standardizing solutions and increasing the overall lifespan and efficiency of wind energy assets.