Cross-regional network and market model for optimisation of long duration storage

The main goal of this opportunity is to develop and test advanced models and tools for optimizing Long-Duration Energy Storage (LDES) in cross-regional energy networks and markets that rely heavily on variable renewable energy sources. The focus is on maximizing the value of LDES, improving grid operations, reducing fossil fuel use and CO2 emissions, and balancing renewable energy supply and demand. Projects should address technical and regulatory challenges, create models for integrating LDES over 12 hours, and support the replication of solutions through recommendations and policy actions. The scope covers cross-regional strategies, specifically between at least two adjacent regions in Europe, but does not specify particular countries.

• Develop integrated spatial-temporal models for energy markets and regional networks dominated by renewable energy sources, focusing on long-duration energy storage (>12 hours).

• Create, analyse, and optimise scenarios for the planning, location, dimensioning, and integration of long-duration storage (LDES) in the future European energy system. 

• Test the proposed models in operational or realistic digital-twin environments across at least two adjacent EU regions (e.g. NUTS 2/3).

• Form partnerships including system operators, energy service providers, technology vendors, financial stakeholders, and other relevant actors to ensure real-world relevance.

• Provide both cross-regional coordination and market-model innovations to better integrate LDES solutions for grid planning at transmission and distribution levels.

Examples:

• A project modeling LDES integration between two neighboring European regions to balance wind and solar energy variability.
• An initiative developing policy recommendations for cross-border energy storage based on operational data from adjacent regions.
• A partnership analyzing technical barriers to LDES deployment in two interconnected regional grids.

• Personnel costs for researchers and project staff
• Equipment and materials necessary for project implementation
• Software and IT tools for modeling and analysis
• Travel and accommodation for project meetings and site visits
• Subcontracting of specialized tasks
• Costs related to dissemination, communication, and publication
• Workshops, stakeholder engagement, and policy recommendation activities
• Data collection and analysis
• Administrative and management expenses

All eligible expenses must fit within the lump sum funding model. Detailed eligible costs are defined by the program's simplified cost decisions.

• Budget for this Call: 14.000.000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 2
• Budget per project: 7.000.000€

• Consortium must include at least three independent legal entities based in three different EU Member States or Horizon-associated countries, with at least one from the EU.
• Participation must include: at least one Transmission/Distribution System Operator representing each pilot region; providers of long-duration energy storage (LDES) technologies (>12 h); digital‑twin or modelling experts; energy market actors; and financial/market stakeholders (e.g., investors or aggregators).
• Third-country participants are allowed only if they secure their own funding or are explicitly covered under Annex B eligibility.
• Organisations subject to EU network-security rules must comply with topic-specific security provisions.
• Standard Horizon Europe checks on ethics, integrity, exclusion, and operational/financial capacity (Annex B & C) apply.