Deadline: 15-Sep-2026
The European Commission has launched a funding opportunity under HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions to support sustainable battery-grade material production, advanced refining technologies, and bio-based electrode material development. The initiative aims to reduce Europe’s dependency on imported battery raw materials while strengthening strategic autonomy, sustainability, and innovation in next-generation battery technologies.
Program Overview
The European Commission initiative supports research and innovation activities focused on creating sustainable and competitive battery material supply chains in Europe. The programme seeks to strengthen European technological leadership and establish resilient value chains for battery-grade materials and advanced battery technologies.
The initiative also aims to reduce dependence on imported raw materials and increase processing capabilities for materials needed in future energy storage systems. By supporting sustainable innovation, the programme contributes to strengthening Europe’s battery ecosystem and renewable energy infrastructure.
Focus Areas and Program Objectives
The programme focuses on several strategic priorities related to battery materials and energy storage development.
Key objectives include:
• Reducing European dependency on imported battery-grade raw materials
• Supporting emerging technologies for next-generation batteries
• Establishing European value chains for battery materials
• Strengthening technological leadership and strategic autonomy
• Developing environmentally friendly refining technologies
• Supporting synthetic graphite and alternative carbon-based materials
• Increasing sustainability across battery production systems
• Scaling processing capacity including recycled materials
• Creating an integrated European battery ecosystem from design through end-of-life management
• Improving energy storage technologies and renewable energy integration
Key Concepts Explained
Battery-grade materials are high-purity materials used in battery manufacturing to ensure performance, efficiency, and safety.
Advanced refining technologies refer to improved methods for processing raw materials into battery-grade metals and electrode materials with lower environmental impact.
Synthetic graphite is a manufactured carbon material used as an electrode component in batteries and can serve as an alternative to naturally sourced graphite.
Bio-based feedstocks are materials obtained from renewable biological sources such as agricultural waste, biomass, forestry residues, and lignocellulosic materials.
Next-generation batteries refer to advanced battery systems designed to deliver higher performance, increased sustainability, and improved energy storage capabilities compared to existing technologies.
Strategic autonomy refers to reducing reliance on external suppliers and strengthening internal capabilities for critical technologies and materials.
How the Programme Works
The initiative supports research and innovation proposals under two primary categories.
The process includes:
- Developing and validating innovative refining technologies for battery-grade metals and electrode materials
- Developing synthetic graphite and alternative carbon-based materials using European bio-based feedstocks
- Conducting detailed characterization of developed materials
- Validating material performance in sodium-ion and lithium-ion battery cells
- Demonstrating performance outcomes including cycle stability, energy density, and charging performance
- Supporting integration into European battery value chains
Funding Information
The programme provides financial support for research and innovation activities.
Funding details include:
• Programme type: HORIZON Research and Innovation Action
• Total available funding: €28,300,000
Funding aims to support activities involving research, development, validation, and technological innovation related to sustainable battery materials.
Who is Eligible?
Participation is open to eligible entities meeting Horizon Europe requirements.
Eligible applicants include:
• Legal entities from eligible countries
• International organisations
• Non-associated third-country entities meeting participation conditions
• Affiliated entities
• Associated partners
• Entities without legal personality under specified conditions
• European Union bodies
• Associations and interest groupings
• Joint Research Centre participants
Applicants and affiliated entities must complete registration procedures and comply with programme requirements.
Who is Not Eligible?
Certain participation restrictions apply under this initiative.
Restrictions include:
• Legal entities established in China are not eligible for Research and Innovation Actions or Innovation Actions under this destination
Why This Opportunity Matters
The increasing global demand for batteries has highlighted challenges related to supply chains, raw material availability, and energy security. Developing sustainable battery materials and technologies can help reduce external dependencies while strengthening innovation capabilities.
Potential benefits include:
• Reduced reliance on imported raw materials
• Increased sustainability in battery production
• Enhanced energy storage capabilities
• Stronger European technological leadership
• Improved renewable energy integration
• Increased resilience of energy systems
What Applicants Need to Do
Applicants must complete several requirements before participating.
Required actions include:
• Register in the Participant Register system
• Obtain a Participant Identification Code (PIC)
• Complete validation procedures
• Ensure compliance with Horizon Europe regulations
• Demonstrate legal and financial eligibility requirements
• Prepare research proposals aligned with programme objectives
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid proposal weaknesses that may affect eligibility or project quality.
Common mistakes include:
• Failing to align projects with strategic autonomy objectives
• Providing insufficient validation methodologies
• Neglecting sustainability considerations
• Presenting weak battery performance evidence
• Missing registration or validation requirements
• Ignoring participation restrictions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the primary purpose of this funding initiative?
The initiative supports sustainable battery material production and next-generation battery technologies while reducing dependence on imported raw materials.
How much total funding is available?
The programme provides a total funding budget of €28,300,000.
What types of materials are supported?
The programme supports battery-grade metals, synthetic graphite, and alternative carbon-based electrode materials.
Which battery technologies are included?
The initiative includes sodium-ion and lithium-ion battery technologies.
Can international organisations participate?
Yes. International organisations and eligible entities from participating countries may apply if participation conditions are met.
Are recycled materials included in the programme focus?
Yes. Scaling processing capacity, including recycled materials, is part of the programme objectives.
Do applicants need a Participant Identification Code (PIC)?
Yes. Applicants and affiliated entities must register and obtain a PIC before completing grant agreement requirements.
Conclusion
The European Commission funding initiative supports the development of sustainable battery materials and advanced battery technologies that can strengthen Europe’s technological leadership and strategic independence. By promoting environmentally responsible innovation and resilient supply chains, the programme aims to create a stronger and more sustainable future for energy storage systems and battery ecosystems.
For more information, visit European Commission.
