ENERGY (HORIZON-CL5-2026-04-Two-Stage)

  • Start Date:

  • Deadline:

  • Agency:
    Horizon Europe: Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness

The Office of Grants and Research (OGR), KNUST invites eligible researchers to apply for funding under the Horizon Europe Programme (Cluster 5 – Climate, Energy and Mobility), funded by the European Commission.

This call supports high-risk, high-impact research projects focused on breakthrough renewable energy technologies that will accelerate the transition to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

The call follows a two-stage submission process.

Opening Date: 18 December 2025
Stage 1 Deadline: 31 March 2026 (17:00 Brussels time)
Stage 2 Deadline: 20 October 2026 (17:00 Brussels time)

Type of Funding

HORIZON Research and Innovation Action (RIA)

Grant Type: Lump Sum Grant

Projects must demonstrate technological feasibility at TRL 4–5.

Expected Outcomes

Projects are expected to:

  • Develop breakthrough renewable energy technologies

  • Demonstrate low environmental impact (including biodiversity protection and reduced pollution)

  • Show strong economic viability and competitiveness

  • Strengthen energy security and industrial independence

  • Build long-term innovation capacity

Project Scope

Proposals should focus on high-risk, high-reward renewable energy technologies, such as:

  • Renewable energy storage systems

  • Hybrid renewable energy systems

  • Integrated renewable energy generation systems

  • Solar fuels and solar-driven chemical processes

  • Renewable heating and cooling systems

  • Catalyst development

  • Direct utilisation of renewable energy sources

Technology transfer from non-energy sectors is encouraged where relevant.

For bioenergy or biofuel concepts involving biogenic waste, resource availability and treatment must be considered at the design stage.

Areas Not Supported

The following are excluded under this call:

  • Hydrogen production through electrolysers

  • Fuel cells

  • Batteries

  • Basic material research

Key Requirements

Proposals must:

  • Compare the proposed solution with existing commercial renewable technologies

  • Address environmental sustainability and biodiversity impacts

  • Demonstrate resource efficiency (materials, land, water, etc.)

  • Present clear risk mitigation measures

  • Include Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) expertise

  • Address social acceptance, community engagement, and just transition considerations (including gender and socio-economic factors)

Projects using satellite-based data must utilise Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS services where applicable.

Legal entities established in China are not eligible to participate in this call.

Follow this link to access the Standard Application Form: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/temp-form/af/af_he-ria-ia-stage-1_en.pdf

 

Interested KNUST researchers are encouraged to contact the Office of Grants and Research (OGR) early for proposal development support, eligibility guidance, and consortium-building assistance prior to submission.