Deadline: 15-Sep-2026
The European Commission has launched a Horizon Europe open call with a total budget of €93 million to support advanced wind energy technologies and innovative solutions. The initiative aims to accelerate research, development, and deployment of next-generation wind energy systems while improving efficiency, sustainability, environmental performance, and long-term energy resilience across Europe.
Program Overview
The programme supports collaborative research and innovation activities that strengthen wind energy technologies and contribute to the broader clean energy transition. The initiative aligns with the Strategic Energy Technology (SET) Plan and focuses on accelerating technological progress while improving the performance and sustainability of wind energy systems.
The programme seeks to encourage cooperation among stakeholders and reduce fragmentation of research efforts. Through support for innovative technologies and system-level solutions, the initiative aims to improve the contribution of wind energy within future energy systems.
Focus Areas and Program Objectives
The programme supports multiple strategic priorities related to wind energy research and development.
Key objectives include:
• Advancing SET Plan research and innovation priorities for wind energy
• Strengthening collaboration among research and innovation stakeholders
• Improving wind energy efficiency and performance
• Reducing costs across wind system lifecycles
• Enhancing reliability and operational flexibility
• Improving safety and system robustness
• Strengthening cybersecurity capabilities
• Supporting sustainability and circular economy approaches
• Increasing wind energy contribution within energy systems
• Reducing environmental and health impacts
• Strengthening biodiversity protection and pollution reduction
• Improving social acceptance of wind projects
Priority Research and Innovation Areas
The programme supports several advanced technology and research domains.
Industrialisation and Scale-Up
Activities may include:
• Automation technologies
• Digitalisation approaches
• Artificial intelligence integration
• Improved manufacturing systems
• Enhanced deployment processes
Operations and Maintenance Optimisation
Activities may include:
• Robotics applications
• Advanced sensors
• Predictive maintenance systems
• Cybersecurity improvements
• Performance monitoring technologies
System Integration
Activities may include:
• Wind and electricity grid integration
• Energy storage solutions
• Hybrid energy systems
• Integrated energy management systems
Sustainability and Circularity
Activities may include:
• Material innovation
• Recycling technologies
• Reuse strategies
• Decommissioning solutions
• Circular economy approaches
Floating Offshore Wind Technologies
Activities may include:
• Integrated system design
• Large-scale demonstration projects
• Offshore infrastructure innovation
Emerging Wind Technologies
Activities may include:
• Novel turbine designs
• Advanced aerodynamic concepts
• Experimental wind technologies
Environmental and Social Innovation
Activities may include:
• Environmental modelling systems
• Climate and geophysical research
• Biodiversity protection approaches
• Stakeholder participation initiatives
• Spatial planning improvements
• Community coexistence strategies
Key Concepts Explained
The Strategic Energy Technology (SET) Plan is a European framework supporting the development and deployment of clean energy technologies.
Wind energy system integration refers to connecting wind technologies effectively with electricity grids, storage systems, and wider energy networks.
Circularity involves reducing waste and extending material use through reuse, recycling, and sustainable resource management.
Predictive maintenance uses technology and data analysis to identify potential equipment failures before they occur.
Floating offshore wind refers to wind turbines installed on floating structures in deeper waters where traditional fixed structures are less practical.
Hybrid energy systems combine multiple energy generation and storage technologies within a connected system.
Funding Information
The programme provides funding through Horizon Europe research and innovation mechanisms.
Funding details include:
• Total funding allocation: €93,000,000
• Funding framework: Horizon Europe
• Project type: Collaborative research and innovation projects
Funding supports initiatives that contribute to accelerating wind energy innovation and deployment.
Who is Eligible?
Participation is open to a broad range of organizations and institutions.
Eligible entities include:
• Legal entities established under national law
• Legal entities established under European Union law
• International organizations
• Organizations from eligible non-associated third countries
• Research institutions
• Universities
• Public and private organizations
• Industry stakeholders
Applicants must comply with Horizon Europe participation requirements.
Participation requirements include:
• Registration in the Participant Register
• Obtaining a Participant Identification Code (PIC)
• Completion of validation procedures before grant agreement signing
Why This Opportunity Matters
Wind energy plays a critical role in clean energy transitions and long-term energy security. Advancing wind technologies can improve efficiency, reduce environmental impacts, and strengthen sustainable energy systems.
Potential benefits include:
• Improved renewable energy generation capacity
• Greater energy system resilience
• Reduced environmental impact
• Stronger circular economy practices
• Increased technological innovation
• Enhanced energy security
• Improved sustainability outcomes
What Applicants Need to Do
Organizations interested in participating should prepare strong collaborative proposals.
Recommended actions include:
• Develop projects aligned with SET Plan priorities
• Build multidisciplinary partnerships
• Demonstrate technological innovation and impact
• Include sustainability and environmental considerations
• Prepare implementation and scalability plans
• Complete Participant Register requirements
• Obtain a Participant Identification Code (PIC)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid common proposal weaknesses.
Common mistakes include:
• Weak collaboration structures
• Limited sustainability planning
• Lack of environmental considerations
• Unclear innovation value
• Weak scalability approaches
• Missing registration requirements
• Limited demonstration of impact potential
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of this open call?
The initiative supports innovative technologies and research projects designed to improve wind energy systems and accelerate clean energy transitions.
How much funding is available?
The total funding allocation for the programme is €93,000,000.
Which sectors are supported?
The programme supports research and innovation across wind energy technologies, manufacturing, sustainability, system integration, and environmental solutions.
Can international organizations participate?
Yes. International organizations and eligible entities from non-associated third countries may participate subject to programme conditions.
What is a Participant Identification Code (PIC)?
A PIC is a unique registration identifier required for participation in Horizon Europe funding processes.
Does the programme support offshore wind technologies?
Yes. Floating offshore wind technologies and related innovations are specifically included.
Does the programme support environmental sustainability activities?
Yes. Sustainability, biodiversity protection, pollution reduction, and circular economy approaches are important priorities.
Conclusion
The European Commission’s wind energy innovation call supports advanced technologies and collaborative research aimed at improving the performance, sustainability, and long-term impact of wind energy systems. Through investment in emerging technologies and coordinated research efforts, the programme contributes to strengthening Europe’s clean energy future and accelerating energy transition goals.
For more information, visit European Commission.