Demonstration of reduced energy use and optimised flexible energy supply for industrial bio-based systems

The main goal of this opportunity is to support the development of innovative, climate-neutral bio-based processes for a cleaner and more competitive bioeconomy. It aims to encourage the use of low-energy processes, promote renewable energy in industrial settings, and lower air pollution from energy use. The program also seeks to make bio-based industrial systems more resilient to energy supply challenges. Focus areas include energy efficiency, the water-energy relationship, flexible energy use, and the adoption of digital tools like artificial intelligence for optimization. Eligible activities must take place in the EU or Associated Countries.

• Projects must address innovative, climate-neutral bio-based processes.
• They should demonstrate increased energy efficiency and/or flexibility in energy consumption.
• Integration of renewable energy sources into industrial bio-based systems is required.
• Proposals must use digital optimization tools such as artificial intelligence.
• Projects should contribute to reduced air pollution and improved resilience to energy supply issues.
• Applications must follow the page limits, layout, and format specified in the official application form.

Example projects:

• Developing an AI-powered system to optimize energy use in a bio-based manufacturing plant.
• Implementing renewable energy solutions for a large-scale bio-refinery to achieve climate neutrality.
• Creating a flexible water and energy management platform for a network of bio-based industries.

• Personnel costs for researchers and technical staff
• Costs for equipment and materials directly related to the project
• Travel and subsistence for project meetings and fieldwork
• Subcontracting for specialized services (e.g., digital tool development)
• Costs for data collection, analysis, and digital optimization tools
• Dissemination and communication activities
• Project management costs
• Training and capacity building for project staff
• Costs for pilot testing and demonstration activities

Restrictions: Please refer to the official call documentation for detailed rules and any specific exclusions.

• Budget for this Call: 11,000,000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 2
• Budget per grant: 5,500,000€

• Applicants must be established in an EU Member State or an Associated Country.
• Proposals must follow the official application format and page limits.
• Projects should focus on bio-based industrial systems within the topic scope.
• Applicants must comply with all requirements set out in the official annexes and programme guide.
• Entities from non-EU/non-Associated Countries may have specific participation provisions.
• Eligibility may depend on forming partnerships or networks, as required by the programme.
• Applicants must submit their proposals through the official submission system.