PV based electrification of the economy: Designing & optimising PV systems supporting industrial electrification and promoting participation in electr...

The grant opportunity presented is part of the Horizon Europe program, specifically under the call identifier HORIZON-CL5, focusing on the electrification of the economy through photovoltaic (PV) systems. This initiative targets the design and optimization of PV technologies to support industrial electrification and enhance participation in electricity markets. Eligible applicants include a wide range of stakeholders such as large enterprises, SMEs, research institutions, universities, public research organizations, and non-profit entities involved in energy transition efforts. The funding type is a grant characterized by lump sum contributions, facilitating easier financial management as compared to traditional reimbursement methods. The program mandates consortium participation, which is common in Horizon Europe projects to ensure diverse expertise is brought to the table. Geographically, the opportunity is open to entities located in EU member states and associated countries, as indicated in Annex B of the Horizon Europe Work Programme. Non-EU/non-associated countries may participate under certain conditions, but specifics on eligibility for those countries are not outlined in the call. The focus of this opportunity lies in the renewable energy sector, particularly advanced PV systems, high-voltage DC systems, and energy storage integration. Additional emphasis is on improving market competitiveness and addressing issues related to fluctuating electricity prices through enhanced PV market engagement mechanisms. The total budget available for this call is €18 million, allocated to expected projects, with each project receiving a minimum and maximum amount of €6 million. The application process follows a single-stage submission model with a set timeline: opening on August 4, 2027, and closing on December 1, 2027. Proposals should primarily address either the development of high-voltage DC PV systems or PV participation in electricity markets. Demonstrations of design, implementation, and financial viability are critical, along with strategies for commercialization and scalability. Co-funding is not formally required, but is strongly encouraged to ensure the sustainability of project outcomes. The opportunity aims to foster innovation that contributes to climate goals, particularly under the Cluster 5 focus on Climate, Energy, and Mobility. Successful proposals should align with the European Partnership for Innovation in Photovoltaics (EUPI-PV), emphasizing the monitoring of key performance indicators and collaborative knowledge sharing. In summary, this funding initiative seeks to advance photovoltaic technologies and their integration into modern energy systems, particularly for industrial applications, with explicit expectations for market-ready outcomes and innovative business models in response to the evolving energy landscape.

This is a Horizon Europe call for proposals under the ENERGY call (HORIZON-CL5-2027-07), specifically targeting "PV based electrification of the economy: Designing & optimising PV systems supporting industrial electrification and promoting participation in electricity markets (EUPI-PV Partnership)" with topic ID HORIZON-CL5. It aims to support the solar energy joint research and innovation agenda. The call seeks innovation actions (HORIZON-IA) with a single-stage submission process. The planned opening date is August 4, 2027, and the deadline for submission is December 1, 2027, at 17:00 Brussels time. The Model Grant Agreement type is HORIZON Lump Sum Grant [HORIZON-AG-LS]. The call addresses the evolution of large PV systems towards higher voltage architectures (>=3kV) to minimize losses and improve system efficiency. It also focuses on integrating storage into hybrid PV systems for increased flexibility. The goal is to create a blueprint for high voltage large PV systems and DC networks serving industrial sites, servers, and electric vehicle charging stations. The call also aims to address the challenge of zero or negative electricity prices by promoting PV participation in ancillary services and coupling with other generation, storage, or demand assets. The expected outcomes are: Scope 1: High-voltage DC PV systems: Highly efficient PV systems, optimal utilization of generated PV electricity, energy savings. Decreased levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) and affordable electricity for industrial users. Scope 2: PV participation in electricity markets: Increased social profitability of PV by participation to ancillary services. Energy efficient, cost competitive and flexible contribution of PV systems to the energy markets. The scope of the proposals should cover at least one of the following: Scope 1: High-voltage DC PV systems: Design higher voltage system architectures and evaluate the efficiency benefit. Develop the blueprint for an AC/DC hybrid solution for managing end user loads, achieving high levels of efficiency. Demonstrate a high voltage >3kV operating in DC grids for industrial installations hybrid system. Investigate the impact of higher voltage on PV modules. Scope 2: PV participation in electricity markets: Demonstrate integrated management of PV generators for dynamic and/or nodal pricing. Pool PV with other consumption/production assets to participate in balancing mechanisms; assess the viability of these systems and demonstrate business models and financing schemes. Demonstrate reliability, procurement driven risk mitigation and better system availability through digitalization. Exploitation and dissemination plans should include a strategy, a strong business case, and a sound exploitation strategy, including preliminary plans for scalability, commercialization, and deployment with a feasibility study and business plan, indicating potential funding sources like the Innovation Fund. This topic implements the co-programmed European Partnership for Innovation in Photovoltaics (EUPI-PV), requiring projects to report results to the EUPI-PV to support the monitoring of its KPIs. General conditions for participation include: Admissibility Conditions: Proposal page limit and layout as described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes and Part B of the Application Form. Eligible Countries as described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes. Specific provisions exist for non-EU/non-Associated Countries. Other Eligible Conditions: Projects using satellite data must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS. Financial and operational capacity and exclusion as described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes. Evaluation and award criteria, scoring, and thresholds are detailed 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. Legal and financial set-up of the grants: The granting authority may object to ownership transfer or exclusive licensing for up to 4 years after the action's end. Eligible costs will be in the form of a lump sum. Specific conditions are described in the specific topic of the Work Programme. Application and evaluation forms and model grant agreement (MGA): Application form templates are available in the Submission System (Standard application form HE RIA, IA). Evaluation form templates will be used with necessary adaptations (Standard evaluation form HE RIA, IA). Guidance is provided in the HE Programme Guide. The Model Grant Agreement (MGA) is a 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 Funding & Tenders Portal Privacy Statement The budget overview indicates the following topics: HORIZON-CL5-2027-07-D3-11 HORIZON-IA: Budget €17,000,000, Indicative number of grants: 2, Contributions around €8,500,000 HORIZON-CL5-2027-07-D3-16 HORIZON-IA: Budget €28,500,000, Indicative number of grants: 3, Contributions around €9,500,000 HORIZON-CL5 HORIZON-IA: Budget €18,000,000, Indicative number of grants: 3, Contributions around €6,000,000 HORIZON-CL5-2027-07-D3-25 HORIZON-IA: Budget €28,500,000, Indicative number of grants: 3, Contributions around €9,500,000 HORIZON-CL5-2027-07-D3-26 HORIZON-IA: Budget €28,500,000, Indicative number of grants: 3, Contributions around €9,500,000 HORIZON-CL5-2027-07-D3-27 HORIZON-IA: Budget €22,500,000, Indicative number of grants: 3, Contributions around €7,500,000 HORIZON-CL5-2027-07-D3-28 HORIZON-CSA: Budget €6,000,000, Indicative number of grants: 1, Contributions around €6,000,000 HORIZON-CL5-2027-07-D3-32 HORIZON-IA: Budget €30,000,000, Indicative number of grants: 3, Contributions around €10,000,000 Partner search announcements are available for collaboration on this topic. The submission system is planned to open on the date stated on the topic header. Support is available through the Online Manual, Horizon Europe Programme Guide, Funding & Tenders Portal FAQ, Research Enquiry Service, National Contact Points (NCPs), Enterprise Europe Network, IT Helpdesk, European IPR Helpdesk, and CEN-CENELEC/ETSI Research Helpdesks. In summary, this Horizon Europe call focuses on advancing photovoltaic (PV) technology and its integration into the energy system, particularly for industrial electrification. It encourages projects that explore high-voltage DC PV systems, enhance PV participation in electricity markets, and contribute to the broader solar energy research and innovation agenda. The call provides funding for innovation actions and coordination and support actions, with specific budget allocations for each topic. It emphasizes the importance of scalability, commercialization, and deployment of project results, as well as collaboration and knowledge sharing within the European Partnership for Innovation in Photovoltaics (EUPI-PV). The call aims to improve the efficiency, affordability, and reliability of PV systems, while also addressing the challenges posed by fluctuating electricity prices and promoting the use of PV in ancillary services.

Eligible Applicant Types: The call is part of Horizon Europe, so eligible applicants include a wide range of entities such as universities, research institutes, SMEs, large enterprises, and other organizations. The specific eligibility criteria are detailed in Annex B of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes and the Horizon Europe Programme Guide. A number of non-EU/non-Associated Countries are also eligible for funding. Funding Type: The funding type is a grant, specifically a HORIZON Lump Sum Grant, as indicated by the Type of MGA (Model Grant Agreement) being HORIZON-AG-LS. The call includes HORIZON Innovation Actions (HORIZON-IA) and HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions (HORIZON-CSA). Consortium Requirement: The information does not explicitly state whether a single applicant or a consortium is required. However, given the scope and nature of Horizon Europe projects, consortia are often preferred, and in some cases, necessary, to address the multifaceted challenges. Partner search announcements are available, suggesting that consortia are welcome. 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. Target Sector: The target sector is energy, specifically focusing on photovoltaics (PV) and the electrification of the economy. The program targets the design and optimization of PV systems to support industrial electrification and promote participation in electricity markets. This includes high-voltage DC PV systems, energy storage integration, and PV participation in ancillary services. Mentioned Countries: The opportunity mentions "non-EU/non-Associated Countries" without specifying individual countries. The geographic scope is therefore broad, encompassing the EU, associated countries, and potentially other countries as specified in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide. Project Stage: The project stage targets innovation actions, implying projects that are at the demonstration, validation, or piloting stage, closer to commercialization than basic research. The call aims to implement and demonstrate innovative solutions for PV systems and their integration into the energy market. Funding Amount: The funding amounts vary depending on the specific topic within the call, ranging from €6,000,000 for Coordination and Support Actions to €30,000,000 for Innovation Actions. Individual contributions per project range from around €6,000,000 to €10,000,000. HORIZON-CL5-2027-07-D3-11 - HORIZON-IA HORIZON Innovation Actions 17 000 000 Single-stage2027-08-04 2027-12-01 around 85000002 HORIZON-CL5-2027-07-D3-16 - HORIZON-IA HORIZON Innovation Actions 28 500 000 Single-stage2027-08-04 2027-12-01 around 95000003 HORIZON-CL5 - HORIZON-IA HORIZON Innovation Actions 18 000 000 Single-stage2027-08-04 2027-12-01 around 60000003 HORIZON-CL5-2027-07-D3-25 - HORIZON-IA HORIZON Innovation Actions 28 500 000 Single-stage2027-08-04 2027-12-01 around 95000003 HORIZON-CL5-2027-07-D3-26 - HORIZON-IA HORIZON Innovation Actions 28 500 000 Single-stage2027-08-04 2027-12-01 around 95000003 HORIZON-CL5-2027-07-D3-27 - HORIZON-IA HORIZON Innovation Actions 22 500 000 Single-stage2027-08-04 2027-12-01 around 75000003 HORIZON-CL5-2027-07-D3-28 - HORIZON-CSA HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions 6 000 000 Single-stage2027-08-04 2027-12-01 around 60000001 HORIZON-CL5-2027-07-D3-32 - HORIZON-IA HORIZON Innovation Actions 30 000 000 Single-stage2027-08-04 2027-12-01 around 100000003 Application Type: The application type is an open call with a single-stage submission process. Nature of Support: The beneficiaries will receive money in the form of a lump sum grant. Application Stages: The application process involves a single stage. Success Rates: The success rates are not explicitly mentioned, but the indicative number of grants for each topic provides some insight into the potential success rate, which would depend on the number of applications received. Co-funding Requirement: The information does not explicitly state whether co-funding is required. However, Horizon Europe projects often encourage or require some level of co-funding from the applicants or other sources, depending on the specific type of action and the work program guidelines. Summary: This Horizon Europe call, under the ENERGY pillar, aims to foster innovation in photovoltaics (PV) to support industrial electrification and enhance PV participation in electricity markets. The call encourages projects that address two main scopes: high-voltage DC PV systems and PV participation in electricity markets. Projects should focus on designing efficient PV systems, integrating energy storage, developing AC/DC hybrid solutions, and demonstrating the reliability and economic viability of PV systems in dynamic energy markets. The call is structured as a single-stage application process, with funding provided as lump sum grants. The call is open to a wide range of applicants from EU member states, associated countries, and potentially non-EU countries, and it encourages collaboration through consortia. The projects should contribute to the goals of the European Partnership for Innovation in Photovoltaics (EUPI-PV) and support the broader solar energy research and innovation agenda. The call seeks to de-risk investments in solar PV, reduce system operating costs, and improve the reliability and profitability of PV assets, aligning with the EU's broader climate and energy objectives.