Cluster 5: Climate, Energy and Mobility EU Calls Driving Europe’s Green Transition
As Europe accelerates its path toward climate neutrality, the need for large-scale innovation in energy systems, climate resilience, and sustainable mobility has never been greater. At the heart of this transformation lies Cluster 5: Climate, Energy and Mobility, one of the most strategically important pillars of the Horizon Europe programme.
With multiple calls currently open under this cluster, organisations across Europe have a timely opportunity to contribute to and benefit from the green transition. The challenge, however, is not only developing strong ideas, but also identifying the right funding opportunities at the right time. This is where structured visibility through platforms like EUcalls becomes critical.
What Is Cluster 5
Cluster 5 is Horizon Europe’s main funding stream dedicated to:
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Climate science and adaptation
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Clean and renewable energy systems
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Energy efficiency and smart grids
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Hydrogen and energy storage
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Decarbonisation of industry
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Sustainable and zero-emission mobility
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Climate-neutral cities and transport systems
In simple terms, Cluster 5 finances the technologies, systems, and policy solutions that will enable Europe to meet its climate goals while strengthening energy security and industrial competitiveness.
It is not limited to research alone. Cluster 5 supports demonstration projects, system integration, pilot actions, and cross-sector collaborations that can move innovation closer to real-world application.
Why Cluster 5 Matters Now
The urgency behind Cluster 5 is driven by multiple factors:
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The EU’s commitment to climate neutrality by 2050
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The need for energy independence and resilience
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Rapid technological advancements in renewables and electrification
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Increasing pressure to decarbonise industry and transport
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Growing investment in sustainable urban mobility
Climate change is no longer a long-term projection; it is a present reality shaping policy, business strategy, and financial priorities. Cluster 5 reflects this shift by funding projects that address systemic transformation rather than isolated innovation.
For organisations operating in energy, clean technology, mobility, engineering, urban planning, or climate services, this cluster represents a key entry point into European funding.
What Types of Projects Are Supported
Cluster 5 calls typically support initiatives such as:
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Development and integration of renewable energy technologies
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Smart energy systems and storage solutions
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Hydrogen production, transport, and use
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Energy efficiency in buildings and industry
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Carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS)
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Climate adaptation tools and risk management systems
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Electrification and zero-emission mobility solutions
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Urban mobility innovation and sustainable transport infrastructure
Many calls encourage cross-border collaboration and public-private partnerships, reflecting the EU’s emphasis on scalable, integrated solutions.
Importantly, these projects often require a combination of technical expertise, digital tools, policy alignment, and business modelling, creating opportunities for diverse actors beyond traditional energy companies.
Who Should Pay Attention
Cluster 5 is highly relevant for a broad range of organisations, including:
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Energy providers and utilities
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Clean tech startups and scale-ups
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Industrial companies seeking decarbonisation pathways
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Engineering and technology firms
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Mobility innovators and transport operators
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Municipalities and smart city initiatives
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Research and innovation organisations
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SMEs developing sustainable solutions
Contrary to common assumptions, Cluster 5 is not reserved for large corporations. SMEs and emerging innovators frequently play a central role, particularly in technology development and system integration projects.
For organisations working on sustainable transformation, Cluster 5 provides both funding and strategic alignment with European priorities.
Navigating Complexity: The Role of EUcalls
While Cluster 5 offers significant opportunities, navigating its structure can be challenging. Calls are highly thematic, technical, and distributed across multiple work programmes and deadlines. For many organisations, keeping track of open and upcoming topics becomes time-consuming and fragmented.
EUcalls addresses this challenge by centralising European funding opportunities and making them more accessible.
For Cluster 5 in particular, EUcalls helps organisations:
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Identify relevant climate, energy, and mobility calls in one place
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Monitor open and upcoming deadlines
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Filter opportunities by thematic focus
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Gain early visibility to allow time for partnership-building and proposal preparation
Rather than replacing strategic planning, EUcalls functions as a starting point, turning complex funding landscapes into structured, searchable insight.
Early awareness is critical in Cluster 5, where competitive proposals often depend on strong consortia, technical maturity, and clear alignment with EU priorities. Timely information can therefore make a substantial difference.
What Calls We Recommend
EuCalls | Advancing European climate risk assessments
EuCalls | Next generation climate monitoring and related capabilities
EuCalls | Ports of the future (ZEWT Partnership)
Beyond Funding: A Systemic Transformation
Cluster 5 is not simply a funding mechanism. It reflects Europe’s broader ambition to redesign energy systems, decarbonise transport, and increase climate resilience at scale.
Through this cluster, the EU supports:
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Long-term sustainability and energy security
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Cross-sector innovation ecosystems
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Climate adaptation strategies
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Industrial competitiveness in green technologies
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The transition to low-emission mobility
For organisations ready to engage in this transformation, Cluster 5 offers a framework for impact that extends beyond project implementation.
A Strategic Moment to Act
As new Cluster 5 calls open under Horizon Europe, organisations working in climate, energy, and mobility have a clear opportunity to align their innovation strategies with European priorities.
Exploring relevant funding opportunities early and understanding how they fit within broader organisational goals is essential for building competitive proposals.
By using EUcalls to track and assess Cluster 5 opportunities, organisations can move from reactive searching to proactive planning.
The green transition is not a distant objective. It is actively unfolding and the tools to participate in it are already available.
