NWO allocates a total of 7,000,000 euros for the KIC call Fewer Critical Raw Materials in the Energy Transition. This program focuses on reducing dependence on scarce and geopolitically risky raw materials in the energy transition.
The energy transition requires rapid scaling of technologies such as wind turbines, electrolysers, solar panels, and batteries. This transition currently depends on the availability of so-called critical raw materials, such as cobalt, neodymium, or lithium, which are necessary to utilize these technologies. Due to the current increase in interest in these technologies, demand for critical raw materials is expected to rise sharply. Critical raw materials often come from a limited number of sources in countries that are geopolitically vulnerable or otherwise cannot be a reliable source of the material.
Goal of the call
The goal of the program is to reduce dependence on scarce and geopolitically risky raw materials for the energy transition. This can be achieved by promoting and developing insights, effective interventions, measures, circular strategies, practical perspectives, and innovation through an integrated approach. By redesigning (parts of) the value chain, the success of the energy transition becomes less dependent on critical raw materials, and polluting effects from the use of critical raw materials are reduced. Additionally, it contributes to the strategic autonomy of the EU and thus also the Netherlands.
Research lines
This Call for proposals requests proposals aimed at reducing the use of critical raw materials in the following application areas of the energy transition:
- Electrolysis devices and electrolysis factories
- Wind turbines
- Photovoltaic energy
- Battery systems
- Other relevant areas for the energy transition, such as network infrastructure like cables and transformers, power electronics, or for example the production of alternative fuels, etc.
Applicants are asked to primarily focus on one application area. Sufficient funding is available for at least one project in each of the five application areas.
Matchmaking
For the call Critical Raw Materials in the Energy Transition, a matchmaking meeting will be organized on January 29, 2026. During the matchmaking meeting, NWO facilitates contacts between potential consortium members.
Budget and duration
The subsidy ceiling for this program is a total of 20ac7,000,000. For an application, a minimum of 20ac750,000 and a maximum of 20ac1,300,000 can be requested in NWO funding. Co-financing is mandatory. The deadline for submitting applications is Tuesday, April 14, 2026, before 14:00:00 CEST.
The theme of this program relates to the mission of the knowledge and innovation agenda (KIA) Climate and Energy, especially mission A (Electricity), mission C (Industry), and the theme Hydrogen. Additionally, the theme of the Call for proposals relates to the mission of the KIA Circular Economy (KIA CE, especially the multi-year mission-driven innovation program 1: designing for circularity).
NWO-KIC: innovation programs in the knowledge and innovation agreement
NWO develops innovation programs focused on the societal challenges of the Netherlands with the goal of realizing impact for the economy, people, and society. These programs emphasize collaboration between knowledge institutions, private parties, and government. The results thus contribute to realizing economic opportunities. It is therefore essential that private parties invest in every research project.
