The energy transition is a key growth area for the coming decades. Through the Energy Research 2026 call, the Austrian Federal Ministry of Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure (BMIMI) is providing 17.9 million Euro via the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) to drive energy innovation from Austria. These are intended to strengthen competitiveness in the domestic and international markets and make a significant contribution to climate neutrality.
The call for grant applications at a glance
Focus areas |
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Funding per project |
up to 2 million € |
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Funding rate |
up to 85% |
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Target groups |
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Duration of funded project |
max. 36 months (max. 12 months for exploratory projects) |
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Submission deadline |
30 September 2026, 12:00 p.m. |
In detail
What exactly is being funded?
- Energy generation and storage technologies: innovative components, materials, processes and complete systems for renewable energy generation and energy storage. The call is particularly aimed at: photovoltaics, wind power, heat pumps, heat and electricity storage, geothermal energy and small-scale hydropower
- hydrogen and Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS): energy- and resource-efficient processes, technologies and components for the capture, removal, utilisation, transport and permanent storage of carbon
- System design and operation of flexible, integrated and climate-fit energy systems: smart grids, sector coupling, the heat transition, cybersecurity for energy infrastructure and digital twins
- Societal transformation: participatory models, behaviour change and inclusive energy solutions
Which costs are eligible for funding?
The following costs are typically eligible for funding: personnel costs, materials and consumables, equipment usage costs, third-party costs/subcontracting, travel costs and overheads.
How much funding is available?
The call supports so-called cooperative projects, i.e. consortia of at least two partners, with funding ranging from 100,000 Euro to 2 million Euro. The maximum funding rate is 85%. So-called exploratory projects and industry-related doctoral theses are also eligible for funding, with a maximum funding amount of 250,000 Euro and up to 80% of eligible costs.
What other calls are available?
For R&D in the energy sector, funding opportunities are available through, among others, the following calls:
- Climate-Neutral City – Technologies and Innovations for the Climate-Neutral City 2026
- Resource Transition 2026
- AI ecosystems
- Base programme
Contact: Daniela Stastny, Edina Dobos
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