Green and resilient flexible production processes (Processes4Planet partnership) (IA)

The main goal of this opportunity is to help energy-intensive industries become more flexible, energy-efficient, and sustainable. It aims to support production plants in quickly adapting to changes in renewable energy supply, while improving the use of raw materials and energy. Projects are expected to contribute to the EU’s climate neutrality target by significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Focus areas include redesigning industrial processes, integrating renewable energy, and demonstrating solutions that are both scalable and cost-effective. Attention is also given to social and environmental impacts, such as workforce skills and organizational changes.

• Proposals must follow the required page limits and layout as specified in the application guidelines.
• Only legal entities not established in China are eligible to participate.
• Projects must be evaluated based on impact, excellence, and implementation.
• Each proposal should include a business case and exploitation strategy.
• Projects must focus on redesigning and modifying industrial processes for flexibility and efficiency.
• Pilot-scale demonstrations to prove scalability and cost-efficiency are required.

Example Projects:

• A project that redesigns a steel plant to use more renewable electricity and adapt production to fluctuating energy supply.
• Developing a pilot plant in the chemical industry that increases raw material efficiency while reducing emissions.
• Implementing new digital tools to help a cement factory quickly adjust operations based on renewable energy availability.

• Personnel costs
• Subcontracting
• Travel and subsistence
• Equipment (depreciation or rental)
• Consumables and materials
• Dissemination and communication
• Access to research infrastructure
• IPR and certification
• Audit costs
• Indirect costs (25% flat rate)
• Internally invoiced services

• Budget for this Call: 25,000,000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 3
• Maximum value per project: 10,000,000€
• Minimum value per project: 8,000,000€

• Applicants must be legal entities established in EU countries or eligible associated countries.
• Entities established in China are not allowed to participate in any capacity.
• Applicants must follow the application requirements and guidelines as described in the Work Programme.
• Proposals must address all required focus areas and demonstrate clear impact.
• A business case and exploitation strategy must be included in the proposal.
• Projects must include pilot-scale demonstrations.
• Eligibility may depend on forming partnerships or networks, as is common in Horizon Europe projects.