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Forthcoming call · Opening 3 December 2026 · Consortium in formation · Last checked 18 October 2026

HORIZON-CL5-2027-02-D3-30: Advancements in Direct Air Capture

Impact Funding Europe is mapping complementary organisations for Horizon Europe topic HORIZON-CL5-2027-02-D3-30, “Advancements in Direct Air Capture”. The topic focuses on scaling existing Direct Air Capture (DAC) technical solutions towards pilot demonstration in relevant environments, with activities expected to achieve TRL 7 by the end of the project.

We invite organisations with relevant technology, materials, engineering, demonstration, manufacturing, energy-integration or life-cycle assessment capabilities to express interest. Participation in consortium preparation is subject to technical fit, due diligence and agreement. An expression of interest does not guarantee consortium membership or EU funding.

Express interest in joining the consortium Read the official topic conditions

We are forming a consortium for this call

The consortium is in formation. We are assessing the technical and operational capabilities needed to build a credible demonstration pathway and work plan aligned with the topic. Partner roles will be discussed individually and confirmed only by agreement.

Consortium status: in formation · Last updated 18 October 2026

Call snapshot

ItemDetail
Topic IDHORIZON-CL5-2027-02-D3-30
TitleAdvancements in Direct Air Capture
ProgrammeHorizon Europe
Cluster5 – Climate, Energy and Mobility
CallHORIZON-CL5-2027-02 – BATTERIES and ENERGY
Action typeHORIZON Innovation Actions
Topic budget€16,000,000
Opening date3 December 2026
Deadline date31 March 2027
Expected end-of-project TRLTRL 7 or higher; topic states activities are expected to achieve TRL 7 by project end
Expected EU contribution per projectAround €8,000,000 (indicative; proposals requesting different amounts may still be considered)
Indicative number of projects2 expected to be funded
Deadline time17:00 Brussels local time
Grant funding formLump sum

What the topic aims to achieve

The expected outcome is to accelerate the commercial availability of Direct Air Capture technologies. Projects are expected to scale up existing technical solutions to at least pilot demonstration in relevant environments and address improvements to capture and regeneration cost efficiency, including Balance of Plant; material and process performance; manufacturing and scale-up potential, including recycling and reuse; and flexible operation under intermittent or surplus renewable-energy supply.

Depending on the selected technology, other issues may include reducing regeneration energy, alternative materials or CO₂ separation approaches, operation in cold/humid/polluted conditions, validation of simulated predictions against experiments, and high-flux air contactor designs. The topic states that projects must develop a comprehensive life-cycle assessment (LCA) of the entire DAC system, covering material extraction and use, energy, greenhouse-gas emissions and end-of-life.

The topic encourages the use of ECCSEL and international cooperation with participating countries of the Mission Innovation Carbon Dioxide Removal Mission; neither is mandatory.

Capabilities we are assessing

  • Existing DAC technology with evidence of current performance and a credible route to pilot demonstration.
  • Sorbent, solvent or advanced-material expertise covering performance, durability and stability.
  • Process engineering, air contactors, regeneration and Balance of Plant integration.
  • Pilot host, demonstrator, commissioning and operational validation capabilities.
  • Manufacturing, scale-up, recycling, reuse and supply-chain expertise.
  • Renewable-energy integration and flexible-operation controls.
  • Life-cycle assessment and primary data for whole-system environmental evaluation.
  • Techno-economic assessment, modelling or experimental validation where relevant to the concept.

How to express interest

Please share a short capability profile containing your organisation name and country, relevant experience, capabilities and personnel, available pilot infrastructure or datasets, and the contribution you could make. Prior Horizon Europe participation is useful context but should not be presented as a universal requirement. Avoid sending confidential technical information through the first-contact form.

What happens next: we review the enquiry for technical fit and complementarity; contact relevant organisations for an introductory discussion; assess possible role, contribution and eligibility; and confirm any consortium role only through explicit agreement.

Official topic information

The live Funding & Tenders Portal and the applicable work programme/topic documents are authoritative for submission rules, eligibility and current deadlines. The CORDIS topic summary provides additional background but does not replace the official sources.

Ready to explore a role in this consortium?

Express interest in joining the consortium Read the official topic conditions

Official sources

Frequently asked questions

What is this topic?

A Horizon Europe Cluster 5 Innovation Action topic titled “Advancements in Direct Air Capture”.

What does the topic aim to support?

Scaling existing DAC technical solutions towards pilot demonstration in relevant environments, with activities expected to achieve TRL 7 by project end.

What is the topic budget?

The topic has an indicative budget of €16 million. The Commission estimates an EU contribution of around €8 million per project and expects two projects to be funded. Check the live Funding & Tenders Portal for any updates.

When does it open and close?

The planned opening date is 3 December 2026. The deadline is scheduled for 31 March 2027 at 17:00 Brussels local time under the 2026-2027 work programme. Re-check the live Funding & Tenders Portal before submitting, as call dates and status may change.

Is a comprehensive LCA required?

Yes. The topic expressly says projects must develop a comprehensive life-cycle assessment covering the entire DAC system.

Is use of ECCSEL mandatory?

No. It is encouraged but not mandatory.

Does expressing interest guarantee a consortium role?

No. Role allocation depends on fit, due diligence and agreement; consortium participation and funding are not guaranteed.

Where should we verify eligibility and submission requirements?

The live Funding & Tenders Portal and applicable work programme/topic documents.

Does the topic have any specific ownership or control restriction?

Under the topic’s specific eligibility condition, entities established in an otherwise eligible country but directly or indirectly controlled by China or by a legal entity established in China are not eligible to participate. Applicants should consult General Annex B and the live topic conditions for the complete rules.

This is an independent consortium-recruitment page prepared by Impact Funding Europe. It is not an official European Commission website and does not guarantee eligibility, consortium membership or funding.

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