From heat-driven processes to the use of mechanical and electric forces (Processes4Planet partnership) (IA)

The main goal of this opportunity is to help energy-intensive industries shift from heat-driven to electrically driven processes, supporting the EU's goal of climate neutrality and a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. It aims to promote the use of renewable electricity in process industries, boost energy savings by at least 25% compared to current best technologies, and make the European process industry more competitive and resilient. Focus areas include developing and demonstrating efficient electrically driven technologies such as membrane technology, power ultrasound, and electrochemical processes. Projects should ensure energy efficiency, prove greenhouse gas emission reductions, and take a holistic approach to redesigning equipment and integrating electrified processes. The opportunity is open to EU and certain associated countries.

• Develop and demonstrate efficient electrically driven technologies replacing heat-based processes in industry.
• Quantify energy efficiency gains and prove GHG emission reduction potential.
• Adopt a holistic process redesign, including materials, equipment, and integration aspects.
• Ensure safety, flexibility, and process control in the electrified systems.
• Validate performance, scalability, and economic return in at least one realistic, replicable use case.
• Include a GHG avoidance methodology, a business case, and an exploitation plan with funding pathways.

Examples:

• A project that demonstrates a new electrochemical process for steel production, reducing energy use by 30%.
• An initiative to integrate membrane technology into chemical manufacturing, leading to significant greenhouse gas reductions.
• A collaboration to redesign industrial equipment for better integration of renewable electricity in cement production.

• 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: 35,000,000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 3
• Maximum value per project: 10,000,000€
• Minimum value per project: 8,000,000€

• Applicants must follow the proposal page limits and layout requirements.
• Only entities from eligible countries can apply; some non-EU/non-associated countries may also participate if they provide their own funding.
• Applicants must show they have the financial and operational capacity to carry out the project.
• Proposals must address the integration of efficient electrically driven technologies and demonstrate measurable benefits.
• Projects should include a plan for scaling up and commercialising the results.
• Entities from China are not eligible to participate in Innovation Actions under this opportunity.