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PV based electrification of the economy

Full title in the source: PV based electrification of the economy: Designing & optimising PV systems supporting industrial electrification and promoting participation in electricity markets (EUPI-PV Partnership)

Opens 4 Aug 2027

The EU's Horizon Europe programme expects to make 3 awards of €6 million each, from a total budget of €18 million. Applications close on 1 Dec 2027 (EU calls usually close at 17:00 Brussels time). Organisations in EU member states and Horizon Europe associated countries such as Türkiye can usually take part; the topic conditions control.

Expected outcome

Large PV systems such as utility scale PV are evolving towards higher voltage architecture (>=3kV) with the objective to minimize losses and improve system efficiency at lower costs. The intention is to integrate also storage into such (hybrid) PV systems offering flexibility. It is consequently essential to build a blueprint for the implementation of high voltage large PV systems and the development of Direct Current (DC) networks around strategic end users for high voltage demand (industrial sites, servers, electric vehicle charging stations…). Understanding the factors that influence the performance and economics of these system architectures will help system planners evaluate the potential benefits of such hybrid resources that could support an increasing future industrial electrification. Another crucial challenge to address in ensuring the continued growth of new investments in solar PV, is the increasing occurrence of zero or negative prices in the electricity market, which dramatically hurt the profitability of operating solar PV assets. To tackle this challenge, PV participation to ancillary services is a way forward, which would reduce significantly system operating costs and PV curtailment and improve system reliability and PV profitability. The coupling/pooling with other generation assets or storage/demand assets is also to be considered.

Scope

High-voltage DC PV systems:

• Highly efficient PV systems, optimal utilisation of generated PV electricity, energy savings;

• Decreased levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) and affordable electricity for industrial users.

Scope 2: PV participation in electricity markets:

• Increased social profitability of PV by participation to ancillary services;

• Energy efficient, cost competitive and flexible contribution of PV systems to the energy markets.

All proposals are expected to support the execution of the solar energy joint research and innovation agenda.

Scope:

Proposals are expected to cover at least one of the following scopes:

Scope 1: High-voltage DC PV systems:

• Design higher voltage system architectures and evaluate the efficiency benefit;

• Develop the blueprint for an AC (Alternating Current)/DC hybrid solution for managing end user loads, achieving high levels of efficiency;

• Demonstrate a high voltage >3kV operating in DC grids for industrial installations hybrid system;

Who can apply

Consortium of at least 3 independent legal entities from 3 different EU Member States or associated countries, at least one in a Member State (Horizon Europe standard rule).

Applicant categories are a starting point. The official call decides eligibility.

Timing

Single-stage call. Next deadline 2027-12-01. The portal states the exact cut-off time (EU calls usually close at 17:00 Brussels time).

How to apply

1. Read the full topic on the Funding & Tenders Portal: expected outcome, scope, type of action and the topic conditions, including any country restrictions.
2. Register each participating organisation in the Funding & Tenders Portal to get a PIC.
3. Consortium of at least 3 independent legal entities from 3 different EU Member States or associated countries (Horizon Europe standard rule; Türkiye is associated). Confirm in the topic conditions.
4. Prepare Part A (administrative forms and budget, completed in the portal) and Part B (the technical description on the official template for this type of action).
5. Submit in the portal before the cut-off time on the deadline day. Late submissions are not accepted.

From the call text

Who can apply

Not stated in the call text we hold — check the official page

Company stage

Not stated in the call text we hold — check the official page

Single applicant or consortium

Read the topic conditions on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal for eligible countries, consortium requirements, budget and the application route.

Where applicants must be based

Read the topic conditions on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal for eligible countries, consortium requirements, budget and the application route.

Where to apply

Read the topic conditions on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal for eligible countries, consortium requirements, budget and the application route.

Read the EU application guide

Where these facts come from

Official sources

Official call page

Facts on this page come from the funder’s official data, taken on 14 Nov 2026. The funder's own documents, including later amendments, always take precedence.

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