Underpinned by European Climate Law, specifically the ‘Fit for 55’ legislative package, and the European Commission’s ambition under REPowerEU, activities within this work programme support the implementation of the Paris Agreement and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Through transformation of our mobility, energy, construction and production sectors, Cluster 5 aims to position Europe as the leading digitally enabled, circular, climate neutral and sustainable economy.

Energy related topics within Cluster 5 are divided across two destinations:

Destination 3: Sustainable, secure and competitive energy supply

Destination 3 aims to create a more efficient, clean, sustainable, secure and competitive energy supply through the development of new solutions for smart grids and energy systems based on efficient renewable energy solutions. With a budget of over €616 million in 2023 and €407 million in 2024, activities under Destination 3 will deliver impact across three main areas:

 - Global leadership in renewable energy;

 - Energy systems, grids and storage; and

 - Carbon capture, utilisation and storage.

There are currently five calls within Destination 3, offering opportunities for research and innovation across solar PV, offshore and onshore wind, advanced biofuels, geothermal energy, hydropower, wave energy, grid optimisation and planning, energy storage, CCUS, artificial intelligence, and energy management systems, amongst other topics. View the calls on the EU Funding and Tenders portal for further details:

 -  HORIZON-CL5-2023-D3-01, deadline 30th Mar 2023, 18 topics 

 -  HORIZON-CL5-2023-D3-02, deadline 5th Sep 2023, 16 topics

 -  HORIZON-CL5-2023-D3-03, deadline 10th Oct 2023, 6 topics

 -  HORIZON-CL5-2024-D3-01, deadline 16th Jan 2024, 17 topics

 -  HORIZON-CL5-2024-D3-02, deadline 5th Sep 2024, 12 topics

Destination 4: Efficient, sustainable and inclusive energy use

Steered by EU policies such as the European Green Deal, the Renovation Wave and Industry Strategy, Destination 4 aims to ensure the efficient and sustainable use of energy, which is accessible for all, through a clean energy system and a just transition. The focus of this Destination is on innovations that boost energy efficiency and reduce energy demand across buildings and industry.

Offering a budget of €122 million in 2023 and €86 million in 2024 over four calls, Destination 4 provides opportunities for research and innovation across topics such as zero emission buildings, positive energy districts, historical and traditional buildings, electrification of heat, integration of renewable technologies, lifecycle data for building management, decarbonisation, construction and renovation automation, smart grid readiness, circular energy renovation, building information modelling, and participative urban planning. For further information on these opportunities, view the EU Funding and Tenders portal:

 -  HORIZON-CL5-2023-D4-01, deadline 20th April 2023, 6 topics

 -  HORIZON-CL5-2023-D4-02, deadline 5th September 2023, 5 topics

 -  HORIZON-CL5-2024-D4-01, deadline 18th April 2024, 3 topics

 -  HORIZON-CL5-2024-D4-02, deadline 5th September 2024, 5 topics

Further guidance for Cluster 5 energy topics

If you would like to know more about the energy-related topics under the Horizon Europe Cluster 5 2023-2024 Work Programme, check out the recordings from the European Commission’s most recent information day for Cluster 5. A number of sessions dedicated to Destination 3 and 4 will help you to learn more about the funding opportunities:

 - Destination 3: Solar energy

 - Destination 3: Renewables (general topics) / Bioenergy / CCUS

 - Destination 3: Energy systems, grids, storage (ESGS) Day 1 and Day 2

 - Destination 3: Wind, ocean, hydro, geothermal energy

 - Destination 4: Buildings

 - Destination 4: Industry (towards end of presentation)