The WatEnerWine Open Call invites technology providers to submit market-ready solutions that improve water efficiency, energy efficiency and renewable energy integration in the wine sector. The initiative aims to accelerate sustainability, decarbonisation and resource optimisation across European wineries. Selected providers receive international visibility, inclusion in the Innovation Catalogue, and opportunities to showcase their technologies at events, field missions and sector networks.

WatEnerWine Open Call for Technology Providers

A European sustainability initiative seeking ready-to-implement water, energy and renewable technologies for the wine sector.

Overview

The WatEnerWine project supports the green transition of wineries by identifying technology providers capable of delivering immediate, practical solutions. The open call focuses on technologies that reduce water consumption, improve energy efficiency and foster renewable energy adoption across wine production operations.

Priority Focus Areas

Water Technologies

Solutions should help wineries:

• Reduce full-cycle water consumption during production

• Increase water availability using alternative sources

• Improve process efficiency through internal recirculation

• Enable water reuse within operations

• Optimise wastewater management, treatment and reuse

• Deploy digital monitoring and control systems for water flow optimisation

• Improve water management in hospitality and enotourism areas

Energy and Renewable Technologies

Solutions should enable wineries to:

• Increase energy efficiency and reduce overall usage

• Integrate renewable energy systems (solar, biomass, geothermal, wind)

• Boost self-consumption and reduce grid dependency

• Recover waste heat and strengthen energy storage systems

• Implement advanced digital energy monitoring and optimisation tools

• Adapt innovative energy technologies from other industrial sectors to the wine industry

Why It Matters

• The wine sector faces rising pressure to reduce water use, energy consumption and emissions.

• Many wineries lack direct access to ready-to-implement technologies.

• This initiative accelerates the adoption of sustainable practices and supports operational resilience.

• Providers gain entry into a European network seeking innovative green technologies.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Public or private organisations legally established in the EU or countries associated with the Single Market Programme

• Organisations with proven expertise in:

  • Water management

  • Energy efficiency

  • Renewable energy systems

  • Agri-food or wine-sector technologies

• Providers offering market-ready, not experimental, solutions

Benefits for Selected Providers

• Inclusion in the WatEnerWine Innovation Catalogue distributed across Europe

• Visibility among wineries, clusters, SMEs and innovation centres

• Participation in sustainability partnerships and business support networks

• Opportunities to present case studies in thematic Working Groups

• Showcasing during field missions, demos and European trade fairs

• Exposure to winery decision-makers and potential partners

How to Apply

Step-by-Step Process

1. Review eligibility requirements to ensure alignment with water, energy or renewable solutions.

2. Prepare documentation, including organisational details, solution description and evidence of readiness.

3. Submit the application through the official WatEnerWine Open Call platform (as instructed by the programme).

4. Undergo evaluation, focusing on innovation, relevance and implementation potential.

5. Receive selection confirmation and join the visibility, networking and showcasing activities offered by the project.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting early-stage or R&D solutions instead of ready-to-implement technologies

• Failing to demonstrate relevance to wineries or the agri-food sector

• Missing required documentation or organisational eligibility proof

• Overlooking digital optimisation components for water or energy systems

• Proposing solutions that require extensive adaptation before deployment

FAQ

1. Do solutions need to be wine-specific?
No. Technologies from other sectors are eligible if they can be effectively applied to winery operations.

2. Can start-ups or small companies apply?
Yes, as long as they are legally established and can provide a market-ready solution.

3. Does the call provide funding?
This call does not fund development. It provides visibility and showcasing opportunities for existing solutions.

4. Is collaboration with a winery required before applying?
No partnership is required at the application stage.

5. Can digital-only technologies apply?
Yes. Digital monitoring, automation and optimisation tools are highly relevant.

6. Are both water and energy solutions required?
No. Applicants may focus on water technologies, energy technologies or renewable energy systems individually.

7. What level of visibility can providers expect?
Selected providers receive EU-wide exposure through the Innovation Catalogue, events, missions and sector networks.

Conclusion

The WatEnerWine Open Call is a strategic opportunity for technology providers to support the sustainability transformation of Europe’s wine sector. By contributing ready-to-implement water, energy and renewable innovations, selected organisations gain high-level visibility, create new partnerships and help wineries improve efficiency, resilience and environmental performance.