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Horizon Europe Cluster 4 — Twin (Green+Digital) Transition for Industry

AI Data Centres: Efficient Cooling, Power and Operations

Funds €10M projects that cut the energy and climate footprint of AI data centres through better cooling, power and operations.

ScheduledEuropean CommissionEU

AI workloads are driving higher power density and heat in data centres, making cooling, backup power and operation a major constraint on performance and climate goals. This topic funds high-TRL demonstrations that make AI data processing more efficient and sustainable.

Projects can improve cooling at chip and module level, develop emerging storage and net-zero backup systems, optimise workload sc

Developing and demonstrating technologies for energy-efficient and sustainable AI data processing in data centres. Projects may target direct chip cooling and thermal management, low-cooling backup power and storage, AI workload scheduling and power management, efficient computing and virtualisation, new materials, renewable-energy integration or waste-heat reuse. The portfolio also requires an open pilot demonstration site that combines, benchmarks and showcases results for European data-centre operators.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Biennial
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.18 Mar 2027
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.22 weeks
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.30%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.€39M

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Last verified: 25 Aug 2026Funder reference: HORIZON-CL4-2027-04-DATA-09Source: ec.europa.eu