Support to the BRIDGE initiative

This summary outlines a Horizon Europe grant opportunity designed to support the BRIDGE initiative, which connects various projects within the realm of smart grids, energy storage, and digitalization. The initiative aims to share knowledge and best practices while providing data-driven recommendations for energy policies and innovation strategies. Eligible applicants for the grant include legal entities from EU member states and associated countries, which can encompass universities, research institutes, SMEs, large enterprises, NGOs, and public-private partnerships. The funding is structured as a lump sum grant, and it is anticipated that applicants may operate either independently or in collaboration with others, although specific consortium requirements are not distinctly outlined. The scope of proposals should contribute to the organizational and logistical support of the BRIDGE initiative, which includes tasks such as governance, coordination with EU and national initiatives, maintaining a project database, and ensuring publication of relevant reports and policy briefings. Additionally, it encompasses maintenance of the online presence of BRIDGE and organizing events like the annual General Assemblies. The project is expected to fall under the broader categories of energy and climate, focusing on transitioning to integrated energy systems. The indicative total budget for the grant is approximately €1 million. This opportunity is framed as a single-stage open call, with submissions required by September 2, 2025, following an opening date of May 6, 2025. Notably, co-funding is not required, and the funding proposals will undergo a focused evaluation on feasibility and budget reasonableness. The initiative emphasizes accessibility and reusability of data produced during the projects. The overall duration for initiatives funded under this grant is projected to be three years, further promoting collaboration between BRIDGE and various relevant European programs for sustainable energy solutions. The detailed evaluation and award procedures, as well as a comprehensive budget oversight, will guide the application process, ensuring alignment with Horizon Europe's overarching goals and eligibility criteria. This grant not only aims to bolster BRIDGE's operations but also to enhance its role as an influential resource within Europe's energy landscape.

This is a summary of a Horizon Europe grant opportunity focused on supporting the BRIDGE initiative. The BRIDGE initiative, established by the European Commission, aims to connect projects funded under Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe in areas like Smart Grids, Energy Storage, Islands, and Digitalisation. The initiative has two main goals: to encourage the sharing of information, experience, knowledge, and best practices among projects, and to provide real-world experience and feedback to help overcome obstacles to innovation. The ultimate aim is to provide policymakers with coordinated and coherent recommendations to support research and innovation and to utilize project results effectively.

The expected outcomes of projects funded under this opportunity include:

1. Providing evidence from real-life projects to support European research and innovation policies and energy policies in smart energy systems.

2. Informing Horizon Europe projects about energy systems with solutions and methodologies developed by previous European-funded projects, enabling effective benchmarking and comparison of lessons learned.

3. Strengthening the BRIDGE initiative as a recognized European resource for innovative solutions in smart and integrated energy systems.

4. Improving cooperation between BRIDGE and other relevant European initiatives, such as the European Technology and Innovation Platform - Smart Networks for Energy Transition (ETIP SNET).

The scope of the proposals should include:

1. Providing organizational and logistical support to the BRIDGE initiative, its working groups, and task forces, including governance, meeting preparation, and coordination with EU and national initiatives. This also involves supporting working group chairs and facilitating the renewal of chairmanship.

2. Onboarding new projects and maintaining a database of BRIDGE members, including project details, implementing organizations, working group and task force memberships, and contact information.

3. Ensuring the completion and publication of reports, studies, brochures, and policy briefings. This includes BRIDGE annual brochures, annual thematic/expert reports with policy conclusions, and other reports as needed.

4. Maintaining BRIDGE's online presence through its website, online newsletter, and social media.

5. Enabling BRIDGE to provide policy support to the European Commission, particularly DG Energy, by gathering, structuring, and presenting information on technological progress, innovation, competitiveness, and digitalisation in smart energy systems.

6. Organizing the annual BRIDGE General Assemblies, including invitations, hosting, minute-taking, and follow-up actions.

7. Managing cooperation with other European initiatives, especially ETIP SNET, and representing BRIDGE at key events like the European Sustainable Energy Week and other relevant fairs.

The grant encourages cooperation with other European initiatives and ensuring data accessibility and reusability. The indicative project duration is three years.

General conditions for participation include:

The application process involves:

1. Application form templates available in the Submission System, including the Standard application form (HE CSA).

2. Evaluation form templates, including the Standard evaluation form (HE CSA).

3. Guidance from the HE Programme Guide.

4. Model Grant Agreements (MGA), specifically the Lump Sum MGA.

5. Call-specific instructions and a detailed budget table (HE LS).

6. Additional guidance on lump sums.

Additional documents include:

1. HE Main Work Programme 2025 – 1. General Introduction.

2. HE Main Work Programme 2025 – 8. Climate, Energy and Mobility.

3. HE Main Work Programme 2025 – 14. General Annexes.

4. HE Programme Guide.

5. HE Framework Programme 2021/695.

6. HE Specific Programme Decision 2021/764.

7. EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509.

8. Decision authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme.

9. Rules for Legal Entity Validation, LEAR Appointment and Financial Capacity Assessment.

10. EU Grants AGA — Annotated Model Grant Agreement.

11. Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual.

12. Funding & Tenders Portal Terms and Conditions.

13. Funding & Tenders Portal Privacy Statement.

The budget overview for the year 2025 includes several topics:

The opening date for submissions is 6 May 2025, and the deadline is 2 September 2025, at 17:00 Brussels time.

This Horizon Europe call is designed to bolster the BRIDGE initiative, which plays a crucial role in shaping research, innovation, and energy policies related to smart and integrated energy systems. By supporting the BRIDGE initiative, the EU aims to foster collaboration, share knowledge, and provide evidence-based recommendations to policymakers, ultimately accelerating the transition to sustainable and efficient energy systems. The call encourages proposals that not only support the BRIDGE initiative's organizational and logistical needs but also promote cooperation with other relevant European efforts and ensure the accessibility of project data. The funding mechanism is based on lump sum contributions, and the indicative project duration is three years.

This opportunity is a call for proposals under the Horizon Europe Programme, specifically within Cluster 5, focusing on Climate, Energy and Mobility. The call aims to support the BRIDGE initiative, which brings together projects related to smart grids, energy storage, islands, and digitalisation to foster the exchange of knowledge and best practices. The primary goal is to provide evidence-based support for research and innovation policies and general energy policies in the area of smart and integrated energy systems. The call includes various types of actions, such as Innovation Actions, Research and Innovation Actions, and Coordination and Support Actions, each with different funding levels and objectives. Eligible applicants can include a wide range of organizations from EU member states and associated countries, with potential participation from non-EU countries under specific conditions. The application process is a single-stage submission, and funding is provided as a lump sum grant. The call encourages cooperation across Europe and emphasizes the accessibility and reusability of data produced during the projects. The indicative project duration is three years.