The call for proposals 2025-EM-1.1.1-EKFI for the support of energy research and development projects has been published, which specifically supports the implementation of energy research and development projects. The aim of the program is to create innovative products, technologies, prototypes, and services with high scientific and technical novelty that contribute to the renewal of the domestic energy sector, increase energy efficiency, and achieve decarbonization goals.
How much funding is available?
The total budget for the call for proposals 2025-EM-1.1.1-EKFI for the support of energy research and development projects is HUF 13 billion, which is available entirely in the form of non-repayable grants. Between 21 and 130 projects are expected to receive support from the available funds. The amount that can be requested per project ranges from a minimum of HUF 100 million to a maximum of HUF 600 million. The aid intensity depends on the nature of the planned activity and may vary between 35% and 60% depending on the composition of the project.
What activities are eligible for support?
Under the 2025-EM-1.1.1-EKFI call for proposals for the support of energy research and development projects, experimental development is eligible for independent support, provided that it accounts for at least half of the total eligible costs. In addition, activities that are not eligible for independent support but can be included in the project are also eligible, such as applied (industrial) research, project coordination, public procurement, market access, information and industrial property protection.
In which research areas can support be requested?
1. Production of non-biological renewable hydrogen by means other than electrolysis;
2. Innovative storage of renewable gases (hydrogen and biogas), for example on a chemical basis (LOHC);
3. Innovative renewable energy production, except for geothermal energy utilization and biogas production and utilization;
4. Non-chemical-based high-efficiency energy storage (thermal energy, electrical energy);
5. Waste heat recovery solutions;
6. Optimizing the lifespan of chemical-based batteries, efficient and environmentally friendly energy reuse;
7. Innovative and cost-effective solutions for reinjection technologies related to geothermal energy utilization; innovative use of geothermal energy: utilization of existing and low-temperature wells;
8. Building energy and energy efficiency: solutions related to design, construction, operation, accounting, and certification (e.g., Certified Energy Savings, CES), including digital solutions, with the exception of Building Information Modeling (BIM) processes;
9. Solutions supporting system control and scheduling, such as solutions related to charging, billing, and grid load, which serve, among other things, peak shaving and load shifting, except for energy communities, aggregators and related solutions;
10. Utilization in lignite material (non-energy utilization);
11. Carbon dioxide utilization solutions for the production of industrial raw materials (e.g., CO, methanol, methane, liquid fuels).
How much time is available for project implementation?
Support for energy research and development projects Within the framework of the 2025-EM-1.1.1-EKFI call for proposals, 24–48 months are available for project implementation, with two mandatory milestones: one at the midpoint of the project and one at the end.
What commitments must be fulfilled?
A mandatory commitment is to increase the technology readiness level (TRL) by at least one level. As an optional commitment, it is possible to file a patent application or commit to generating revenue from the results of the development. The maintenance obligation period is 2 years.
Submission deadline: October 21, 2025. IBSH closely monitors the launch of domestic and EU support programs so that it can provide its clients with expert support as quickly and accurately as possible throughout the entire process of preparing and writing applications and managing projects. If you would like to receive up-to-date information on funding opportunities and ensure the successful preparation of your application, please contact our team.
