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Retrofitting of Industrial Plants Towards Higher-Value Bio-Based Products

This funding call focuses on transforming existing industrial facilities into high-value bio-based production sites through retrofitting. The initiative aims to leverage existing brownfield sites to reduce capital expenditure, streamline permitting processes, and facilitate faster implementation compared to greenfield projects. The goal is to establish competitive, replicable business models integrating circularity and sustainability. Successful proposals will address biomass conversion, cascading valorization of residual streams, and workforce upskilling.

Projects must demonstrate the production of bio-based chemicals and materials at TRL 8 and their further conversion into end products at TRL 6 or higher. Environmental sustainability will be enhanced by minimizing hazardous substances, reducing pollutant emissions, and optimizing energy use. Proposals should also contribute to the Safe and Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) framework and establish regional ecosystems centered around biorefineries.

The initiative aligns with EU strategies such as the Bioeconomy Strategy, Circular Economy Action Plan, Zero Pollution Ambition, and EU Industrial Strategy. It seeks to maintain or increase local employment while ensuring synergies with past and ongoing Horizon Europe projects.

Opening: 04-04-2025
Deadline(s): 17-09-2025

Expected Outcome

• Establishment of a brownfield biorefinery with retrofitted industrial infrastructure.
• Development of a competitive, regional business model spanning the entire value chain.
• Increased sustainability and circularity of production processes.
• Preservation or growth of local and regional jobs and economic benefits.
• Demonstration of bio-based chemicals and materials production at TRL 8.
• Validation of end products in market applications at TRL 6 or higher.
• Enhanced environmental sustainability, including reduced pollutants and energy use.
• Implementation of the Safe and Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) framework.
• Strengthened synergies with ongoing R&I projects under Horizon Europe.
• Increased regional bio-based feedstock processing capacity.

Scope

• Retrofit an existing industrial facility to produce higher-value bio-based products.
• Establish a replicable business model for regional/local value chains.
• Improve environmental sustainability and circularity of the production process.
• Ensure job retention or growth in affected regions.
• Demonstrate production at TRL 8 and validate end products at TRL 6 or higher.
• Integrate cascading valorization of residual streams.
• Develop training programs for workforce upskilling and reskilling.
• Reduce hazardous substances and improve energy efficiency.
• Align with the Safe and Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) framework.
• Create synergies with existing Horizon Europe projects and funding instruments.