Deadline: 08-Oct-2026
The Clean Energy Transition Partnership (CETPartnership) Joint Call 2026 is a Europe-led funding initiative supporting transnational research, development, and innovation (RDI) projects that accelerate the transition toward a climate-neutral energy system. It brings together national and regional funding agencies to finance collaborative clean energy projects across multiple countries.
The call targets innovation across the energy value chain and requires international consortia involving at least three partners from three different countries, with a strong focus on scalable, sustainable, and deployment-ready energy solutions aligned with Horizon Europe priorities.
Overview of CETPartnership Joint Call 2026
The Clean Energy Transition Partnership (CETPartnership) Joint Call 2026 supports collaborative research, development, and innovation projects aimed at transforming Europe’s energy system into a climate-neutral, sustainable model.
It is part of a coordinated funding mechanism that aligns:
- National funding programmes
- Regional funding agencies
- European research and innovation priorities under Horizon Europe
The initiative strengthens cross-border cooperation in clean energy technologies and system-level innovation.
Core Objective of the Call
The primary goal is to accelerate the clean energy transition by supporting:
- Research and development (R&D) in clean energy technologies
- Innovation across the energy value chain
- Deployment of scalable climate-neutral solutions
- Cross-border scientific and industrial collaboration
- Integration of energy systems across Europe
Key Focus Areas
The Joint Call supports innovation across the entire clean energy ecosystem, including:
Renewable Energy Technologies
- Solar energy systems
- Wind energy innovations
- Bioenergy solutions
- Geothermal technologies
Energy Systems and Infrastructure
- Smart grids
- Energy storage systems
- Hydrogen infrastructure
- Sector coupling technologies
Industrial Decarbonization
- Low-carbon industrial processes
- Energy efficiency technologies
- Electrification of industry
- Carbon-neutral manufacturing systems
Sustainable Energy Innovation
- Climate-neutral energy systems
- Digital energy solutions
- Energy efficiency innovations
- Integrated energy value chains
Cross-Border Collaboration Requirements
The CETPartnership Joint Call 2026 is strictly transnational.
Consortium Requirements
Eligible project consortia must include:
- At least 3 beneficiary partners
- At least 3 different participating countries
- At least 1 project coordinator
- At least 2 partners from EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries
Balance Rules
To ensure fair collaboration:
- No partner may contribute more than 60% of total project effort
- Combined contribution from one country cannot exceed 75%
Eligibility Restrictions
The following groups are not eligible:
- CETPartnership Governing Board members
- Members of the General Assembly
- Researchers employed by participating funding organizations
Project Duration and Timeline
- Maximum duration: 36 months
- Latest project start date: 15 December 2027
- Projects must align with selected Call Modules and national funding rules
Technology Readiness Level (TRL) Requirements
Projects may span different stages of innovation:
- Early-stage R&D (TRL 4–5)
- Demonstration and scaling phases (TRL 6–8)
Proposals must comply with Horizon Europe TRL expectations depending on project scope.
Funding Structure
Funding is not centralized.
Instead, it is provided through:
- National funding agencies
- Regional funding bodies
- Participating CETPartnership programme owners
Each partner must comply with:
- National eligibility rules
- Regional funding conditions
- CETPartnership transnational requirements
- Selected Call Module requirements
Mandatory Proposal Requirements
All applications must:
- Be submitted in English
- Use the official CETPartnership Submission Platform
- Follow mandatory proposal templates
- Meet submission deadlines
- Include required work packages
Required Work Package
Each project must include:
- A dedicated “Reporting and Knowledge Community” work package
This ensures knowledge sharing, dissemination, and cross-project learning across Europe.
Eligible Applicants
The call is open to a wide range of stakeholders, including:
- Research institutions
- Technology providers
- Energy companies
- Industrial companies
- Infrastructure providers
- SMEs and startups
- Public sector organizations
- New entrants in clean energy innovation
- Media and knowledge platforms (in some roles)
Types of Supported Projects
Projects should focus on:
- Clean energy innovation
- Technology development and demonstration
- System integration and optimization
- Industrial decarbonization solutions
- Deployment-ready energy technologies
- Cross-border energy collaboration
Evaluation Criteria (General)
Proposals are typically assessed based on:
- Scientific and technical excellence
- Innovation potential
- Impact on climate neutrality
- Quality of consortium collaboration
- Feasibility and implementation plan
- Transnational added value
Application Process
Step 1: Consortium Formation
Form a multinational consortium with at least 3 partners from 3 countries.
Step 2: Select Call Module
Choose the appropriate thematic Call Module under CETPartnership.
Step 3: Proposal Preparation
Prepare proposal using official templates in English.
Step 4: Submission
Submit via the CETPartnership Submission Platform before the deadline.
Step 5: National Funding Applications
Each partner applies to their respective national or regional funding agency.
Step 6: Evaluation and Selection
Proposals are evaluated jointly under CETPartnership and national rules.
Step 7: Project Implementation
Successful consortia implement projects under coordinated funding agreements.
Key Restrictions and Compliance Rules
Applicants must ensure:
- Compliance with national eligibility rules
- Compliance with EU Horizon Europe frameworks
- Proper effort distribution across partners
- No conflict of interest with governing bodies
- Alignment with selected Call Module requirements
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forming consortia with fewer than 3 countries
- Exceeding effort limits per partner or country
- Ignoring national funding rules
- Weak alignment with clean energy transition goals
- Poorly defined TRL progression
- Missing mandatory reporting work package
Why This Call Matters
The CETPartnership Joint Call 2026 is a major European innovation funding mechanism designed to:
- Speed up the clean energy transition
- Strengthen cross-border energy collaboration
- Support climate-neutral technology development
- Bridge research and industrial deployment
- Scale innovative energy solutions across Europe
It plays a key role in achieving long-term EU climate neutrality goals under Horizon Europe.
FAQ
What is the CETPartnership Joint Call 2026?
It is a transnational funding call supporting clean energy research, development, and innovation projects across Europe and associated countries.
Who can apply?
Research institutions, companies, technology providers, infrastructure developers, and other stakeholders in clean energy innovation.
How many partners are required?
At least 3 partners from at least 3 different countries are required.
What is the maximum project duration?
Projects can last up to 36 months.
What TRL levels are supported?
Projects may cover TRL 4–8, depending on the Call Module.
Is funding centralized?
No, funding is provided through national and regional funding agencies.
What is the main goal of the program?
To accelerate the transition to a climate-neutral and sustainable European energy system.
Conclusion
The CETPartnership Joint Call 2026 is a major transnational funding opportunity supporting clean energy innovation across Europe. By enabling collaboration between researchers, industry, and public institutions, it accelerates the development and deployment of scalable climate-neutral technologies aligned with Horizon Europe priorities and long-term energy transition goals.
For more information, visit Clean Energy Transition Partnership.
