HORIZON-CL5-2026: all the key insights from Cluster 5 in 2026

What is HORIZON-CL5-2026?

The HORIZON-CL5-2026 programme brings together the calls under Cluster 5 of Horizon Europe, focused on climate, energy and mobility. Its aim is to drive R&I projects that accelerate Europe’s green transition, with a strong component of transnational collaboration.

The first calls will open on 16 September 2025 and the main deadlines are 20 January 2026 and 17 February 2026.

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Key dates for the calls

• General opening: 16/09/2025
• First deadline: 20/01/2026 → batteries, CCAM, transport, ports
• Second deadline: 17/02/2026 → renewables, buildings, grids and storage

View all 36 funding opportunities within Horizon Europe cluster 5 for 2026.

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Opportunities in each strategic area

Batteries and storage

• Accelerated testing for batteries (IA): aims to reduce costs and validation time.
• Solid-state batteries and advanced manufacturing processes (RIA): for electric mobility.
• Low-cost and sodium-ion battery design (IA): with clear density and cost targets.
• Thermal storage for solar plants (IA): demonstrative solutions with exploitation plans.

Renewable energy and grids

• Environmental impacts of offshore wind (RIA): open data to EMODnet.
• Advanced O&M for wind energy (RIA): predictive maintenance and monitoring.
• Perovskite PV and new production lines (IA): towards commercialisation.
• Extending lifetime of PV modules (RIA): pan-European testing.
• New CO₂ capture technologies (RIA): including DAC.
• Digital substations for system resilience (IA): pilots across several countries.
• Energy communities and local markets (IA): with P2P models.
• Underground thermal energy storage in urban areas (IA).

Buildings and cities

• Smart buildings as part of the energy system (IA): Societal Readiness pilot.
• Built4People: low-carbon building (RIA): replicable methodologies.
• Renovation with robotics and 3D printing (RIA): comparative prototypes.
• Positive Energy Districts (IA): three demonstrators in different countries.

Mobility and transport

• Advanced perception for CCAM (RIA): secure and reliable technologies.
• Human behaviour models in CCAM (RIA): realistic simulations.
• Edge-AI in autonomous mobility (RIA): low latency and efficiency.
• Federated CCAM data platform (IA): interoperability and KPIs.
• Crash prevention with AI and big data (RIA).
• Safety of cyclists and pedestrians (RIA).
• Emission reduction in ports (IA): demonstrations in six cities.
• B2B interoperability in eFTI (IA).
• Resilient transport infrastructure with new materials (IA).

Sustainable fuels and industry

• Large-scale production of advanced biofuels and RFNBOs (IA): first-of-a-kind plants.
• Competitiveness and energy security in RFNBO chains (RIA).
• Innovative solutions for a generative AI-powered digital spine of the EU energy system(IA)

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Cross-cutting priorities in HORIZON-CL5-2026

• Societal Readiness: several topics require pilots with a social dimension.
• Open and FAIR data: mandatory in marine, CCAM and energy projects.
• Generative AI and digitalisation: key in energy, logistics and construction.
• Regulatory impact: linked to FuelEU Maritime, ReFuelEU Aviation and CountEmissions EU.

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Practical tips for a winning proposal

• Align your proposal with the Expected Outcome of each topic.
• Build a balanced consortium of industry, SMEs and authorities.
• Include exploitation plans with a clear route to market and KPIs.
• Demonstrate replicability in at least three countries.
• Reinforce your proposal with open standards and compliance with the AI Act.

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HORIZON-CL5-2026 represents a unique opportunity for those seeking to lead Europe’s energy, climate and mobility transition. The calls focus on interoperability, open data and large-scale demonstrations. A well-aligned proposal can make the difference and position your consortium at the heart of European innovation.