Demonstration of solid biofuel supply and conversion to high efficiency CHP from fully sustainable regional value chains

This grant targets the demonstration of regional value chains for locally to regionally sourced sustainable solid biofuel, derived from upgraded biogenic residues and wastes, in high efficiency combined heat and power (CHP) plants. The action aims to enhance sustainable and cheap solid biofuel use in line with the Renewable Energy Directive, ensuring efficient, continuous, and low emission operation between 10 MWe and 30 MWe plant sizes. The scope includes developing comprehensive life cycle analyses, minimizing ecosystem interference, innovative preprocessing technologies, robust value chain logistics, and strong business/exploitation strategies. Projects should involve feedstock providers, demonstrate replicability and scalability, estimate GHG and air pollutant reduction potential, and may support the reconstruction of Ukraine. Socioeconomic, environmental, and gender/inclusivity aspects are to be considered throughout.

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Agency	HORIZON (EU)
Region	EUother
Country	N/A
Legal form	Company, NGO, Government organization, Other
Start date	4 Aug 2026
End date	1 Dec 2026
Max funding	Up to 6,750,000 EUR per grant
Budget	13,500,000 EUR allocated for this topic in 2026
Coverage	Funding covers eligible costs as defined by Horizon Europe rules. See Annex B of the Work Programme.

Grant application conditions

Admissibility Conditions	Proposals must follow the page limit and layout as described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes. Use Part B of the Application Form available in the Submission System.
Eligible Countries	Eligibility is described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes. Non-EU/Associated Countries may participate under specific provisions.
Copernicus and Galileo Use	If satellite-based earth observation, positioning, navigation and/or related timing data and services are used, beneficiaries must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS services.
Financial and Operational Capacity	Applicants must meet the requirements set in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes.
Evaluation Process	Award criteria, scoring thresholds, and processes described in Annexes D and F of the Work Programme General Annexes.
Legal and Financial Set-up	The granting authority may, up to 4 years after the end of the action, object to a transfer of ownership or exclusive licensing of results, as set out in the specific provisions of Annex G.
Project Scope	Projects must demonstrate at least one regional value chain using sustainable solid biofuels from upgraded residues and wastes, with operations in high efficiency CHP (10-30 MWe).
Feedstock Providers	Proposals must adequately involve feedstock providers (e.g., farmers, foresters, municipalities) to strengthen their participation.
Value Chain Requirements	Demonstration must respect locally defined retention thresholds for deadwood and avoid negative impacts on soil, water, air quality, biodiversity, and soil carbon stocks.
Local Economic Case	Projects must include at least one local business case, describe local value/supply chains and expected job creation.
Ukraine Involvement	Projects are encouraged to support Ukrainian regional value chains and/or Ukrainian beneficiaries for reconstruction.
Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH)	Effective contribution and involvement of SSH disciplines and experts is required, including consideration of gender and intersectional approaches.
Documentation	https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL5-2026-11-D3-05

Eligible expenses

Evaluation criteria

Business exclusions

Reporting

Application process

Application requirements