Digital technologies and energy transition in fisheries or aquaculture

The main goal of this opportunity is to support projects that restore, protect, and preserve the health of oceans, seas, and waters by 2030. It focuses on improving marine and freshwater ecosystems, preventing pollution, and making the blue economy more sustainable and carbon-neutral. Special attention is given to enhancing energy efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions in fisheries and aquaculture, as well as adopting digital solutions for energy management. The geographic scope covers the Atlantic and Arctic, Mediterranean, Baltic and North Sea, and Danube River (including the Black Sea) basins. Projects must demonstrate their solutions in at least three countries within the chosen basin.

• Projects must carry out demonstration activities in at least three different countries within the addressed basin.
• If using satellite data, projects must utilize Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS systems.
• Solutions must focus on digital technologies that reduce energy use and costs in fisheries or aquaculture.
• Projects must involve relevant stakeholders, such as SMEs and end-users.
• Proposals must align with the mission's objectives for energy efficiency, CO2 reduction, and digital transition.
• Any collected in-situ data must be openly shared through EMODnet.
• Each project should focus on one specific basin and tailor activities accordingly.
• Capacity building and replication activities must be included.

Examples:

• A partnership of fishing companies in Spain, Portugal, and France demonstrates smart sensors that optimize fuel use in the Atlantic basin.
• A digital platform for aquaculture operators in Italy, Greece, and Croatia helps monitor and reduce energy consumption in the Mediterranean Sea basin.
• SMEs in Germany, Denmark, and Sweden collaborate to pilot renewable energy systems in Baltic Sea aquaculture farms.

• Costs for purchasing and installing digital monitoring equipment
• Expenses for software development and digital tools for energy management
• Training and capacity-building activities for stakeholders
• Travel and accommodation for demonstration activities in eligible countries
• Personnel costs related to project implementation
• Costs of stakeholder engagement activities (workshops, meetings)
• Dissemination and communication expenses
• Data collection and open data sharing costs
• Replication and uptake activities

Restrictions: Detailed eligible expenses may be subject to further rules in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide or General Annexes.

• Budget for this Call: 23,300,000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 4
• Maximum value per project: 5,825,000€
• Minimum value per project: 5,000,000€

• Applicants must be from eligible countries as defined by Horizon Europe.
• Consortiums must include legal entities from at least three different countries within the same basin addressed by the proposal.
• Demonstration activities must take place in at least three eligible countries of the chosen basin.
• If using satellite data, Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS systems must be used.
• Collected in-situ marine data must be made openly available through EMODnet.
• Each proposal should address only one basin and tailor activities to its specific needs.
• Relevant stakeholders, including SMEs and end-users, must be actively involved.
• Proposals must comply with the specific conditions and requirements of the Horizon Europe Work Programme.