EU Funding Opportunities
Brief Description
Horizon Europe focuses on research, innovation, and demonstration, typically at medium to high technology readiness levels. Cluster 5 funds research and innovation projects that support the transition to clean, secure, and competitive energy systems in Europe. Projects are usually large-scale, collaborative, and implemented by consortia from several European countries.
For heat pumps and geothermal energy, Cluster 5 supports:
– Development and testing of new technologies
– Pilot and demonstration projects
– System integration and performance optimisation
– Knowledge sharing and coordination actions
Thematic Focus
- Clean and secure energy supply
- Heat pumps and shallow geothermal energy
- Clean heating and cooling systems
- Demonstration and pilot projects
- Energy system integration and optimisation
Call Period
Annual calls
Next relevant call closes in February 2026
Best Suited for
SMEs
Industry
Research organisations
Use This When
You want to develop, test, or demonstrate innovative technologies (such as advanced heat pumps or geothermal systems) together with research and industry partners in a large international project.
Brief Description
The Innovation Fund Heat Auction is designed for industrial-scale decarbonisation projects. It supports the deep decarbonisation of industrial process heat by incentivising projects that replace fossil fuels with electrified or renewable heat solutions like large heat pumps and geothermal systems.
Instead of a traditional grant, this call uses a performance-based premium: winners receive a fixed reward per tonne of CO₂ avoided, based on verified emissions reductions over several years. Projects compete in the auction based on their CO₂ abatement potential and cost effectiveness.
Thematic Focus
- Industrial process heat decarbonisation
- Large-scale heat pumps
- Geothermal and renewable industrial heat
- Replacement of fossil fuels in manufacturing
- Performance-based CO₂ reduction incentives
Call Period
Open now
Best Suited for
Industry
Use This When
You are planning a large heat decarbonisation project in industry that can demonstrate significant, measurable CO₂ savings from electrified or renewable heat solutions.
Brief Description
The Innovation Fund – Regular Calls support the demonstration and deployment of innovative low-carbon technologies that can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Europe. Projects are selected competitively based on their CO₂ reduction potential, level of innovation, project maturity, and scalability. Funding is provided as non-repayable grants and part of the payment depends on verified emission reductions.
For heat pumps and geothermal energy, the programme supports:
– decarbonisation of industrial process heat
– renewable and district heating projects
– clean-tech manufacturing, including components for large heat pumps
– integration of heat pumps or geothermal systems in industrial and urban energy systems.
Thematic Focus
- Industrial decarbonisation
- Large-scale heat pumps
- Geothermal energy and renewable heat
- District heating and cooling
- Clean-tech manufacturing for net-zero technologies
Call Period
Open now
Call closes on 23 April 2026, 17:00 (CEST)
Best Suited for
Industry
SMEs
Links
Innovation Fund 2025 Net Zero Technologies – General decarbonisation – Medium-Scale Projects
Innovation Fund 2025 Net Zero Technologies – Clean-tech manufacturing
Innovation Fund 2025 Net Zero Technologies – General decarbonisation – Small-Scale Projects
Innovation Fund 2025 Net Zero Technologies – General decarbonisation – Large-Scale Projects
Use This When
You are planning a large or medium-scale investment project that can deliver substantial and measurable CO₂ reductions using innovative heat pump or geothermal solutions.
Brief Description
The LIFE Programme is the European Union’s main funding programme for environment, climate action, and clean energy. The Clean Energy Transition (CET) sub-programme supports the deployment and uptake of clean energy solutions across Europe. Unlike research programmes, LIFE CET focuses on market uptake, skills, and implementation, helping remove practical, regulatory, and financial barriers to the energy transition.
LIFE CET supports actions such as:
– skills development and training for the clean energy workforce
– market frameworks and business models for clean energy solutions
– preparation of investment pipelines and project portfolios
– support for EU energy and climate policy implementation
LIFE CET is particularly relevant for SMEs working on renewable heating and cooling, including heat pumps and geothermal energy.
Thematic Focus
- Renewable heating and cooling
- Heat pumps and shallow geothermal energy
- District heating and cooling
- Skills development for installers and technicians
- Market uptake and business models for clean heating solutions
- Investment preparation and project development (e.g. one-stop-shops, financing schemes)
Call Period
Annual calls
Next Call: April 2026 – September 2026
Best Suited for
SMEs
Link(s)
Use This When
You want to deploy existing clean heating solutions, build skills, prepare investment pipelines, or remove market and regulatory barriers, rather than develop new technologies. |
National Funding Opportunities
Brief Description
A regional funding scheme supporting companies investing in projects that contribute to the energy and economic transition, including clean energy technologies.
Responsible Authority
Brussels-Capital Region
Geographic Coverage
Regional (Brussels-Capital Region)
Key Eligibility Criteria
• Companies established in Brussels
• Projects aligned with regional transition priorities
• Demonstrated economic and environmental impact
Thematic Focus
- Energy transition
- Clean technologies (incl. heat pumps, geothermal)
- Sustainable business models
Call Period
Open on a rolling basis
Funding Rate
Varies depending on project and financing structure
Target Applicants & Use Case
Companies investing in deployable clean energy solutions with local impact.
Brief Description
The Ecologiepremie+ (EP+) supports companies in investing in environmentally friendly and energy-efficient technologies, including heat pumps and geothermal applications, based on a predefined technology list.
Responsible Authority
VLAIO (Flanders Innovation & Entrepreneurship)
Geographic Coverage
Regional (Flanders, Belgium)
Key Eligibility Criteria
- SMEs and large enterprises (excluding forestry, agriculture, and fisheries)
- Companies established in Flanders
- Only technologies included in the official technology list (LTL) are eligible
Thematic Focus
- Energy-efficient technologies
- Heat pumps and geothermal energy
- Sustainable and circular production processes
Call period
Continuous Target
Funding Rate
~15% to 55% depending on technology and company size (max. €1M per enterprise over 3 years)
Applicants & Use Case
Companies investing in listed clean technologies (e.g. industrial heat pumps, geothermal systems) to improve energy efficiency and sustainability.
Link
Brief Description
This programme supports enterprises in improving energy efficiency and increasing the use of renewable energy technologies, including heat pumps, PV systems, and energy storage.
Responsible Authority
Ministry of Innovation and Growth
Geographic Coverage
National
Key Eligibility Criteria
- SMEs and large enterprises
- Projects improving energy performance
- Compliance with energy audit requirements
Thematic Focus
- Energy efficiency measures
- Renewable energy integration
- Energy storage and waste heat recovery
Call Period
Recent calls launched under the Competitiveness and Innovation Programme (ongoing/periodic)
Funding rate
Typically, 35%–65% depending on company size and region
Target Applicants & Use Case
Enterprises investing in energy upgrades, including heat pumps and integrated energy systems.
Brief Description
The IBAC PME call supports SMEs developing technological components and services that contribute to industrial decarbonisation, including key technologies for heat pumps and process heat.
Responsible Authority
ADEME (under France 2030)
Geographic Coverage
National
Key Eligibility Criteria
- SMEs (single applicants or consortia)
- Project cost below €1.5M
- Projects must reduce fossil fuel use in industry Typical project duration ≤ 18 months
Thematic Focus
- Industrial decarbonisation technologies
- High-temperature heat pumps and components (e.g. compressors)
- Innovative industrial equipment and services Funding Rate Up to 45% (small enterprises) / 35% (medium enterprises)
Call Period
Open call (deadline: 9 February 2027)
Target Applicants & Use Case
SMEs developing technology “building blocks” (components, systems, services) for industrial decarbonisation, including heat pump technologies.
Brief Description
Regional funding scheme supporting SMEs in the feasibility and development phases of innovative projects, including prototyping and early-stage industrialisation, with relevance for clean energy technologies.
Responsible Authority
Région Pays de la Loire
Geographic Coverage
Regional (Pays de la Loire, France)
Key Eligibility Criteria
- SMEs established in the region
- Projects with a clear innovation component
- Feasibility studies or prototype development
Thematic Focus
- Energy and environmental innovation
- Industrial and technological innovation
- Market-oriented product development
Call period
The call for projects has been open from January 7, 2022, and will close on September 30, 2026, at 12:00
Funding Rate
Varies depending on project stage and company size (regional grant scheme)
Target Applicants & Use Case
SMEs developing innovative technologies (e.g. heat pumps, geothermal solutions) and seeking support for feasibility, prototyping, or early-stage development with clear market potential.
Brief Description
The EEW programme supports companies in improving energy efficiency and replacing fossil fuels with renewable heat, including geothermal and heat pump systems for industrial processes.
Responsible Authority
Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA)
Geographic Coverage
National
Key Eligibility Criteria
- Industrial heat use (≥50% process heat
- Replacement of fossil fuels
- Compliance with efficiency thresholds
Thematic Focus
- Industrial energy efficiency
- Renewable process heat
- Geothermal and heat pump systems
Call Period
Open on a rolling basis
Funding Rate
Investment grants (rate depends on project type and savings achieved)
Target Applicants & Use Case
Industrial companies investing in process heat decarbonisation and efficiency improvements.
Brief Description
The BEW programme supports the development and decarbonisation of district heating networks with a minimum 75% share of renewable energy, including heat pumps and geothermal integration.
Responsible Authority
Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA)
Geographic Coverage
National
Key Eligibility Criteria
- District heating networks serving more than 16 buildings or more than 100 residential units
- Minimum 75% renewable energy share
- Heat pump-based systems eligible for operational support
Thematic Focus
- Renewable district heating
- Heat pumps and geothermal
- Energy system decarbonisation
Call Period
On 14 April 2026, BEW launched a new online portal for application and digital communication.
Funding Rate
Varies by module (CAPEX support + operational subsidies for heat pumps)
Target Applicants & Use Case
Municipal utilities, energy companies, and public entities developing or upgrading district heating networks.
Brief Description
This scheme supports business investments that contribute to Greece’s green transition, including energy efficiency, renewable energy, and industrial decarbonisation projects.
Responsible Authority
Ministry of Development and Investments
Geographic Coverage
National
Key Eligibility Criteria
- Companies operating in Greece
- Investment projects aligned with green transition objectives
- Minimum investment thresholds depending on company size
Thematic focus
- Energy efficiency
- Renewable energy
- Industrial decarbonisation
- Innovation linked to green transformation
Call Period
Open in cycles (latest calls ongoing)
Funding Rate
Varies (grants, tax relief, leasing support – depending on region and company size)
Best Suited for
SMEs and large enterprises based in Greece
Use This When
You are a Greek SME or industrial company planning a new green investment project, such as energy efficiency upgrades or renewable heating solutions, under a national development framework.
Brief Description
The CDTI – Direct Line of Innovation supports companies in developing and deploying near-market innovation projects that enhance competitiveness through the adoption and integration of new technologies.
Responsible Authority
Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology (CDTI)
Geographic Coverage
National
Key Eligibility Criteria
- Companies of all sizes (SMEs and large enterprises)
- Legally established in Spain
- Innovation project with technological novelty and clear competitiveness impact
- Minimum project budget typically ≥ €175,000
- Project implemented in Spain
- Subject to State aid rules (incl. de minimis where applicable)
Thematic Focus
- Near-market technological innovation
- Process and product improvement
- Integration of emerging technologies
- Clean energy technologies (e.g. heat pumps, geothermal) as part of broader innovation investments
Call Period
Open year-round
Funding Rate
Partially repayable aid (loan + non-repayable component; conditions vary)
Target Applicants & Use Case
Companies implementing close-to-market innovation projects, including industrial upgrades or integration of advanced energy technologies to improve competitiveness.
Brief Description
The NEOTEC Programme supports the creation and consolidation of innovative, technology-based companies through financing of business plans with a strong R&D and innovation component.
Responsible Authority
Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology (CDTI)
Geographic Coverage
National
Key Eligibility Criteria
- Newly established or young innovative SMEs
- Strong R&D component
- Technology-based business model
Thematic Focus
- Technology-based innovation driven by in-house R&D
- Development and market uptake of new products and services
- Strengthening R&D capacity with PhD recruitment
- Open across sectors, provided projects are innovation-led
Call Period
Next call expected in 2026
Funding Rate
Up to ~70% (grant-based, depending on call specifics).
Target Applicants & Use Case
Innovative SMEs and start-ups developing technology-based products or services with strong R&D intensity.
Link
Brief Description
A zero-interest loan scheme supporting energy efficiency investments and renewable energy integration in enterprises, including heat pump deployment and building upgrades.
Responsible Authority
Hungarian Government
Geographic Coverage
National
Key Eligibility Criteria
- Minimum 30% reduction in primary energy demand
- Eligible for SMEs and certain utility providers
- Applicable at building, process, or site level
Thematic Focus
- Energy efficiency improvements
- Industrial process optimisation
- Heat pump integration
Call Period
Calls are now open with the submission deadline being set on the 13st of May 2027.
Funding Rate
Preferential zero-interest loan
Target Applicants & Use Case
SMEs and utility providers implementing energy efficiency investments that deliver measurable energy savings (≥30%).
Brief Description
The SMART Path programme supports integrated innovation projects combining R&D, implementation, and green transformation to enhance competitiveness.
Responsible Authority
Polish Agency for Enterprise Development (PARP) / National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR)
Geographic Coverage
National
Key Eligibility Criteria
- SMEs and large enterprises
- Modular project structure (R&D, implementation, green, digital)
- Innovation and/or sustainability component
Thematic Focus
- R&D and innovation
- Green transition
- Digitalisation
- Industrial transformation
Call Period
Periodic calls under FENG 2021–2027
Funding Rate
Varies by module and company size (grant-based)
Target Applicants & Use Case
Companies combining innovation and deployment (e.g. clean energy technologies with industrial application).