Demonstration of rSOC operation for local grid-connected hydrogen production and utilisation

This grant aims to demonstrate the use of reversible Solid Oxide Cells (rSOC) at MW-scale for efficient, long-duration energy storage and grid balancing by integrating renewable hydrogen into electricity and gas grids. The project will validate rSOC performance, reliability, economic viability, and control strategies in real-world conditions, contribute to best practice and regulatory guidelines, and support sector coupling and the transition to a decarbonised and resilient European energy system.

Check your compatibility

Agency	HORIZON (EU)
Region	EU
Country	N/A
Legal form	Company, NGO, Government organization, Other
Start date	10 Feb 2026
End date	15 Apr 2026
Max funding	Maximum Clean Hydrogen JU contribution per project: 8,000,000 EUR
Budget	Total indicative budget for HORIZON-JU-CLEANH2-2026-04-02 and related topics: 105,000,000 EUR (2026)
Coverage	Funding takes the form of lump sum contributions covering eligible direct costs, mainly for equipment, infrastructure, and assets specifically purchased or developed for the action (full capitalised costs may be declared as per programme rules).

Grant application conditions

Consortium Requirements	At least one partner in the consortium must be a member of either Hydrogen Europe or Hydrogen Europe Research.
Maximum Requested Funding	The maximum Clean Hydrogen JU contribution that may be requested is EUR 8,000,000 per project.
Eligible Countries	Participation is open to entities from all EU Member States and Associated Countries. Specific eligibility for funding is subject to Horizon Europe rules.
Minimum Technological Readiness Level (TRL)	Start at TRL 5 and reach TRL 7 by project end.
MW-Scale Demonstrator	The project must demonstrate at least 1 MW capacity in electrolysis mode. System modules as building blocks should be ≥10 kW each.
Operational Duration	Operate at least 5,000 hours under dynamic conditions, demonstrating both electrolysis (SOEC) and fuel cell (SOFC) modes.
Hydrogen Quality	Delivered hydrogen must have a purity of at least 99.5%.
System Performance	Roundtrip electrical efficiency (net) of whole system: ≥50% by 2030 (target 60% by 2035). Switching mode time (reversibility): ≤5 min by 2030, ≤2 min by 2035. Warm start time: ≤10 min by 2030, ≤5 min by 2035. Electrical energy consumption (electrolysis mode): <37 kWh/kg H2. Stack degradation rate: <0.3%/1000 h. Specific stack cost: <1000 €/kWfuel Cell.
Eligible Costs	CAPEX for whole system including stacks, balance of plant, gas handling systems, and commissioning may be funded. OPEX (operational costs, electricity and hydrogen during demonstration/business operation) will not be funded.
Subcontracting Restriction	Subcontracted work may only be performed in target countries set out in the call conditions (all EU Member States and associated countries).
Guarantees of Origin (GOs)	Guarantees of origin must be used to prove renewable character of the hydrogen; non-governmental certificates (e.g., CertifHy) may be used when issuance by Member States is not available.
Documentation	https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-JU-CLEANH2-2026-04-02

Eligible expenses

Evaluation criteria

Business exclusions

Reporting

Application process

Application requirements