The European call RENEW-BOOSTER #1, supported by Energy Cluster Denmark, Capenergies, the Pomeranian Offshore Platform, ICT Cluster Burgas, the CEEC and Norwegian Offshore Wind, is now open for applications.

What is the RENEW-BOOSTER project?

The RENEW-BOOSTER project has been designed to strengthen and further develop European value chains in offshore wind, photovoltaics, and energy networks. The overall objective of the project is to foster the development, industrialisation and marketupdate of innovative solutions in these sectors, thereby supporting Europe’s green transition, increasing supply chain resilience, and reinforcing Europe’s global leadership in renewable energy. The project will provide targeted support to SMEs and startups to accelerate innovation, skills development, and sustainable growth in the European energy ecosystem.

How does it work?

During the RENEW-BOOSTER project period, a total of three calls for funding will be published: in February 2026, September 2026 and March 2027.

This first call is structured into two different funding strands. Strand A (Challenge-driven) follows a two-step process linked to predefined industrial challenges. The challenges are defined by selected industry stakeholders.

In Step 1, three SMEs per challenge receive €10,000 each (with minimum 20 % private co-funding) to develop and validate a proof of concept (TRL 6-7). After evaluation and a final pitch, one SME per challenge advances to Step 2 and receives € 50,000 (with minimum 40 % co-funding) to further develop and scale the solution (TRL 8-9).

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Strand B (Open Call) follows a single-stage selection process. SMEs apply bottom-up and can request up to € 60,000 depending on project maturity, with increasing private co-funding requirements as the grant increases. Projects run up to six months.

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The challenge – Alternative uses for offshore wind infrastructure

A total of nine challenges will be presented by industrial stakeholders during the three calls, covering offshore wind, photovoltaics and power grids.

For the first call we are presenting one challenge, meaning that there will be more challenges for the second and third call.

The challenge is presented by Marine Energy Test Centre (METCentre), which is a world leading test centre for floating offshore wind located 10 km offshore on the west coast of Norway. The METCentre holds seven concessions for floating offshore windturbines and offers unique natural conditions for testing (depths, currents and wind).

The challenge consists of exploring how existing offshore wind infrastructure can be utilized for additional purposes beyond power transmission and operation, while maintaining safe and efficient offshore wind operations.

METCentre is seeking project proposals from SMEs that leverage existing offshore wind assets to enable new monitoring capabilities, services, or value-creating apllications. This includes, but is not limited to, the use of offshore wind infrastructure to collectdata, host sensors, support digital services, or enable multi-use functionality.

More information in the EU Funding & Tenders Portal

Please consult the call description in the EU Funding & Tenders Portal for more information on both the open calls and challenge.

Information webinar

The RENEW-BOOSTER consortium is hosting an information webinar on March 23rd at 10:00-11:00 to explain how to apply for funding in this call, present the industry challenge and give some practical tips. Sign up for the webinar here.

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The RENEW-BOOSTER project has received funding from the EU Single Market Programme.

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