LIFE‑2026‑CET‑INDUSTRY — Supporting the clean energy transition of European industry and businesses

This topic supports industry competitiveness and decarbonisation by bridging demand and supply of net‑zero energy technologies and fostering collaboration among companies operating in physical proximity (clusters/sites/ports). It targets non‑technological market and cooperation barriers to accelerate clean, affordable and sustainable energy use in industry. 

If your company is part of an industrial cluster, site, or (inland/maritime) port, this call is a strong chance to cut energy costs and emissions while strengthening competitiveness through smarter energy cooperation and scalable net‑zero solutions. 

Practically, entrepreneurs gain the most when they join forces in a  coalition to unlock shared infrastructure, energy exchanges, and financeable roll‑out, turning cooperation into measurable savings and new revenue opportunities. 

You can build projects that either connect industrial users with technology providers to standardise near‑market solutions (TRL 8–9), or set up energy cooperation mechanisms (shared renewables, storage, waste‑heat use, flexible demand, and coordination with system operators). 
The programme funds Coordination & Support Actions (not tech R&D/demonstration), so the big win for entrepreneurs is faster deployment through better business models, guidelines, investment plans, and bankable pipelines—especially relevant for energy‑intensive SMEs and suppliers in industrial ecosystems. 

Businesses (including SMEs) can participate as beneficiaries and receive EU funding as part of the project budget, with a 95% funding rate and a Commission expectation of up to €2 million EU contribution per project (though other amounts can be proposed). 

Entrepreneurs from Germany and the Netherlands are eligible because applicants must be legal entities established in eligible countries (EU Member States)—but note that the consortium must include at least 3 applicants from 3 different eligible countries, so NL+DE must add a third eligible country partner. 

Collaboration is mandatory: proposals under LIFE‑2026‑CET‑INDUSTRY must be submitted by ≥3 beneficiaries from 3 eligible countries (not affiliated entities). Under Scope B, you are expected to deliver endorsed investment plans and a pipeline of feasible projects for industrial areas/clusters, validated with businesses, authorities (including port authorities if relevant), investors, TSOs/DSOs/ESCOs, etc.  Administratively, you must submit electronically via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal, using the required templates (Part A online, Part B uploaded, plus mandatory Excel annexes), within page limits. For this topic there are generally no interim payments (prefinancing structure applies), and you must comply with standard EU grant obligations and audits/controls. 

Eligible cost categories include personnel costs, subcontracting, and purchase costs (travel and subsistence, equipment—typically via depreciation, and other goods/works/services), plus indirect costs as a 7% flat rate of eligible direct costs. Non‑deductible VAT is eligible, except that VAT paid by public bodies acting as public authority is not eligible. The call reimburses eligible costs at 95% for this CSA-type action.

Companies with an interest in the program can get more support via the TECH.LAND partners. For more information, please contact:

Vincent Bökkerink
Project Developer and funding TECH.LAND
X-Border Cooperation North Westphalia & East Netherlands
https://techland.org/
bokkerink@techland.org
+31 6 51 98 75 07