EU project funding: Is your energy project ready?

Securing EU funding for hydrogen, e-NG and industrial decarbonisation projects is not just about having strong technology. 

In fact, many innovative projects fail to access European funding — not because they lack impact, but because they are not strategically aligned with the right programme at the right stage of development. 

So the key question is: Is my project truly ready for EU project funding?

Understanding EU project funding instruments for energy and decarbonisation 

At the e-NG Coalition General Assembly of 2026, we explored this question together with industry stakeholders, presenting the main EU funding instruments available for renewable and low-carbon gas projects. 

During the session, we outlined how different EU programmes support specific stages of project development: from early R&D under Horizon Europe and LIFE, to large-scale deployment through the Innovation Fund, CEF Energy and InvestEU/EIB financing. 

A particular focus was placed on the Innovation Fund, which supports first-of-a-kind, large-scale decarbonisation projects and can cover up to 60% of eligible CAPEX and OPEX. Yet experience shows that many promising projects do not fail because of weak technology, but because they are not strategically aligned with the right funding instrument at the right time. 

How to assess your readiness for EU project funding

To help project developers, infrastructure operators and industrial players better understand their positioning, we have developed a practical self-assessment tool: “Is my project EU-fundable?” 

This short self-assessment guide helps you evaluate: 

• Your project’s alignment with EU climate and energy priorities
• The maturity and validation level of your technology
• Its scalability and European dimension
• Your financial and organisational readiness

Understanding your readiness early can save months of misaligned proposal preparation and significantly increase your chances of securing funding.

If you are developing an e-NG, hydrogen, CCUS or industrial decarbonisation project, this guide will help you identify your next best strategic step.

For more information, feel free to contact the PNO Innovation team.