Deadline: 19-May-2026
The European Commission is inviting proposals for projects that will develop a 2.5MW hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system for next-generation aircraft, supporting hydrogen-powered aviation expected to enter service in the 2040s. Under the Horizon Europe Innovation Action framework, selected projects can receive up to €50 million, with projects lasting up to 48 months and requiring at least 15% of the EU contribution to go to SMEs, RTOs, and/or universities.
About the Funding Opportunity
The European Commission is seeking applications to accelerate the development of advanced hydrogen fuel cell propulsion technologies for future aircraft.
The goal is to support the design, validation, and integration of a compact, lightweight, and efficient 2.5MW fully electric hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system that can help enable the next generation of zero-emission or low-emission aircraft.
This funding is part of a broader push to support clean aviation, hydrogen propulsion, sustainable aerospace innovation, decarbonisation of air transport, and next-generation aircraft systems.
Funding Amount and Project Duration
Selected projects may receive:
- Up to €50 million EU contribution per topic and per project
Important funding notes:
- Only one project is expected to be funded
- Funding depends on evaluation results and complementarity
- Proposals requesting more than €50 million will be non-eligible
Project duration:
- Maximum 48 months
Programme Objectives
The programme aims to support the development of hydrogen propulsion systems that are suitable for aircraft expected to enter service in the 2040s.
Key objectives include:
- Develop a compact and lightweight 2.5MW fuel cell propulsion system
- Achieve TRL 5 at component and sub-system level
- Achieve TRL 4 at system level
- Advance hydrogen-powered aircraft concepts
- Improve system efficiency and power density
- Address hydrogen safety, including leakage detection and mitigation
- Support certification readiness
- Prepare for industrialisation pathways
- Strengthen collaboration across the aviation value chain
What Projects Are Expected to Deliver
Projects should demonstrate a strong technical and industrial pathway toward hydrogen-electric aviation.
Expected outcomes include:
- A fully electric hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system delivering 2.5MW net electrical power through virtual system integration
- Physical validation of critical components and sub-systems
- Defined and validated system architectures
- Development of manufacturing processes
- Clear verification and validation strategies
- Compliance with hydrogen safety requirements
- Robust hydrogen leakage detection and mitigation measures
Technology Readiness Level (TRL) Requirements
At the start of the project, technologies must already demonstrate:
- At least TRL 4 at component level
- At least TRL 4 at sub-system level
By the end of the project, the expected ambition is:
- TRL 5 at component and sub-system level
- TRL 4 at overall system level
What This Means in Practice
This is not an early idea-stage call.
Applicants should already have:
- Existing validated technical foundations
- Prior research results
- Demonstrated component or sub-system maturity
- Strong links to earlier national or European R&D initiatives
Who Is Eligible?
This is a Horizon Europe Innovation Action, so applicants should follow standard Horizon Europe consortium and beneficiary rules.
A major eligibility condition is:
- At least 15% of the total EU contribution must be allocated to:
- Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
- Research and Technology Organisations (RTOs)
- Universities
These entities must have beneficiary status under Horizon Europe rules.
Eligible Geography
Applicants should be from:
- EU Member States
- Horizon Europe associated countries (subject to programme rules)
Best-Suited Applicants
This call is particularly relevant for:
- Aerospace manufacturers
- Aircraft propulsion developers
- Hydrogen technology companies
- Fuel cell system developers
- Aviation suppliers
- Clean aviation consortia
- Research institutes and universities
- Advanced manufacturing and certification specialists
Why This Funding Matters
This is a high-value opportunity for organisations working at the intersection of:
- Hydrogen aviation
- Fuel cell propulsion
- Clean aviation technologies
- Aircraft decarbonisation
- Aerospace industrial innovation
- Net-zero aviation pathways
Why it matters:
- It supports next-generation zero-emission aircraft technologies
- It targets commercial aviation transformation for the 2040s
- It links R&D with certification and industrialisation
- It encourages collaboration across the European aviation ecosystem
- It offers large-scale EU funding for high-impact aerospace innovation
How to Apply
A strong proposal should demonstrate technical maturity, industrial relevance, and a credible pathway to validation and future aircraft integration.
Steps to Apply
- Confirm Horizon Europe eligibility
Ensure your consortium and beneficiaries meet Horizon Europe participation rules. - Check TRL readiness
Your technology must already be at least TRL 4 at component and sub-system level at project start. - Build the right consortium
Include industry, technical specialists, and ensure at least 15% of EU funding goes to eligible SMEs, RTOs, and/or universities. - Define the 2.5MW propulsion concept
Clearly explain the architecture, performance targets, efficiency, power density, and integration logic. - Address hydrogen safety and certification
Include leakage detection, mitigation, verification, and certification-readiness planning. - Show industrialisation potential
Demonstrate manufacturing pathways, scalability, and relevance for aircraft entry into service in the 2040s. - Keep the budget compliant
Do not exceed the €50 million funding ceiling.
Tips for Applicants
To improve competitiveness:
- Show strong technical maturity and prior validation
- Build on previous EU or national hydrogen/aviation research
- Present a clear system architecture and integration plan
- Include a realistic verification and validation roadmap
- Demonstrate strong industrial and certification relevance
- Clearly justify the SME/RTO/university participation share
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these issues:
- Submitting a proposal above €50 million
- Applying with technologies that are below TRL 4
- Treating the call like a basic research project
- Weak treatment of hydrogen safety and leakage management
- Failing to meet the 15% allocation requirement
- Not showing a clear route to industrialisation or certification
FAQs
1. What is the maximum EU funding available?
Projects can receive up to €50 million per topic and per project.
2. How many projects are expected to be funded?
Only one project is expected to be funded, depending on evaluation outcomes and complementarity.
3. What is the maximum project duration?
Projects can run for a maximum of 48 months.
4. What technology maturity is required at the start?
Technologies must demonstrate at least TRL 4 at component and sub-system level at project start.
5. What must the project ultimately demonstrate?
Projects should demonstrate a 2.5MW fully electric hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system through virtual system integration, with physical validation of critical components and sub-systems.
6. Is there a mandatory consortium funding allocation rule?
Yes. At least 15% of the total EU contribution must go to SMEs, RTOs, and/or universities with beneficiary status.
Conclusion
The European Commission hydrogen aviation call is a major Horizon Europe funding opportunity for consortia developing advanced hydrogen fuel cell propulsion systems for future aircraft.
With up to €50 million available, this call is best suited for mature, high-TRL, collaborative projects that can help move Europe closer to hydrogen-powered aircraft in the 2040s.
For more information, visit European Commission.
