Support of the new EU renewable and low carbon fuel ecosystem for waterborne transport

The main goal of this opportunity is to support the development and deployment of renewable and low carbon fuels for waterborne transport, helping the EU reach its climate targets. The initiative focuses on creating business models to speed up fuel deployment, boosting the competitiveness of European fuel producers, and supporting advanced technological solutions to cut greenhouse gas emissions. It aims to facilitate market uptake, improve access to financing, and promote industrial capacity for advanced biofuels. The geographic focus is primarily on the European Union, but also includes selected ports outside the EU that are of strategic interest for global green shipping corridors. Projects should also address risks related to competitiveness with non-EU countries.

• Projects must focus on renewable or low carbon fuels for waterborne transport.
• They should aim to facilitate market uptake or support business models for fuel deployment.
• Proposals should include mature technological solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Projects must consider synergies between renewable fuels and bioenergy technologies.
• They should address access to financing and industrial capacity for advanced biofuels.
• Projects involving ports outside the EU must be of strategic interest for global green shipping corridors.

Examples:

• A project developing a new supply chain for advanced biofuels in major European ports.
• A consortium creating a business model to deploy renewable fuels in both EU and strategic non-EU ports.
• A demonstration project for integrating renewable fuel technologies with existing port infrastructure to reduce emissions.

• Development of renewable or low carbon fuel technologies
• Market analysis and business model development
• Demonstration and pilot projects for fuel deployment
• Infrastructure upgrades for fuel storage and distribution
• Research on synergies between renewable fuels and bioenergy
• Activities to improve industrial capacity for advanced biofuels
• Costs related to stakeholder engagement and dissemination
• Project management and coordination expenses
• Travel and networking related to project objectives
• Access to financing and investment planning activities

Note: All costs must fit within the lump sum contributions model of the Horizon Europe Programme. Specific restrictions may apply as outlined in the programme guide.

• Budget for this Call: 2.000.000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 1

• Applicants must follow the page limits and layout rules specified in the programme guidelines.
• Eligible countries include those listed in the programme documentation; some non-EU countries may also be eligible.
• Applicants must show both financial and operational capacity to complete the project.
• Projects may require partnerships or networks, especially for international or cross-border activities.
• Applicants must not be excluded under the programme’s capacity and exclusion criteria.
• All proposals must align with the objectives and focus areas described for this opportunity.