PowerBoost – unlock energy related challenges

PowerBoost is a targeted support stream designed to help SMEs assess their innovation readiness and strategic potential in the context of the energy transition. Under this stream, beneficiaries receive a lump-sum grant of EUR 2 000 to carry out an innovation audit focused on identifying key challenges and opportunities related to energy use. The audit supports SMEs in gaining a structured understanding of their current processes, technologies, and operational gaps, and in defining priority areas where innovation or the adoption of new technologies could enhance efficiency, flexibility, or integration with renewable energy systems.

Submit the application via the EU Survey Platform, the link to which is available at https://greengridcluster.eu. Applicants are required to upload a template-based Declaration of Honour, duly signed using a qualified electronic signature.

The evaluation and selection process of the PowerBoost open call ensures fairness, transparency, and equal treatment of all applicants. Each submitted application will undergo several verification and evaluation steps before final selection.

Step 1. Administrative and Eligibility Check

After the submission deadline (cut-off date), the GreenGrid Call Manager will verify that:

·       The application was submitted via the official online form within the deadline;

·       All required fields are completed and annexes attached;

·       The applicant meets the SME definition of the European Commission;

·       The applicant’s legal entity is established at least 1 year prior to the submission date.

·       The Declaration of Honour is duly signed with a qualified electronic signature valid as per DSS Demonstration WebApp.

Applications that are incomplete, submitted after PowerBoost Open Call closure, or do not meet eligibility requirements will be considered ineligible and will not proceed to evaluation.

Step 2. Evaluation by Independent Experts

It shall be defined if each eligible application will be assessed by 2 independent evaluators with relevant expertise. Each evaluator signs a declaration on confidentiality and conflict of interest. The evaluation will follow the criteria and scoring system described in Chapter 7 (Evaluation Criteria) of Open Call documentation.

·       Each criterion is scored from 1 to 5 points.

·       The maximum total score is 15 points.

·       The minimum threshold for funding is 12 points.

No additional information submitted after the deadline or provided through external links will be considered.

Step 3. Ranking and Selection

All applications that reach or exceed the threshold of 12 points will be ranked according to:

1.     The final score awarded by the evaluator and confirmed at the Consensus Meeting;

2.     Date and time of submission.

Funding will be allocated sequentially until the available PowerBoost budget is exhausted.

Step 4. Approval and Contracting

Applicants selected for funding will receive a notification email and a Sub-Grant Agreement template for electronic signature. The grant will be paid as a reimbursement after submission and approval of the final Challenge Description Report prepared as a result of the innovation audit. The report submission date will be mutually agreed between the Coordinator and the Beneficiary, but it cannot be later than 31 October 2027.

Step 5. Feedback to Unsuccessful Applicants

All applicants will receive an Evaluation Summary Report with their score and short feedback from the evaluator. Applicants who believe a procedural error has occurred may submit an appeal as described in Chapter 9 (Appealing Procedure) of the Open Call documentation.

Step 6. The Right to Withdraw

At any stage of the process before signing the Sub-Grant Agreement, the Applicant has the right to withdraw its application. The withdrawal may be made either before or after the evaluation has taken place. To do so, the Applicant must send a written notification by email. The titled subject line should clearly state: “Withdrawal – PowerBoost Open Call” to the GreenGrid Call Manager at the address indicated in the Call Guidelines.

Upon receipt of such notification, the application will be considered withdrawn and will not be subject to further evaluation, ranking, or contracting. Any withdrawal submitted after funding approval will automatically terminate the contracting process without further obligations for either party.

The PowerBoost Open Call supports the implementation of an innovation audit and the preparation of a Challenge Description Report, which is a mandatory prerequisite for participation in the forthcoming Solution Box Open Call(s). The Solution Box scheme will provide financial support of up to EUR 30,000 for piloting or validating solutions addressing the identified challenges.

Completion of the Challenge Description Report does not automatically entitle the Applicant to funding under the Solution Box scheme. Participation in the Solution Box will be subject to a separate Open Call, with its own eligibility and evaluation criteria, an independent evaluation process, and a dedicated selection decision. The launch of the Solution Box Open Call is expected in Q3 2026.