BACKGROUND
This Call for Proposals invites proposals for feasibility studies and demonstration projects for services that leverage space-based technologies to advance resilience and sustainability in the energy sector. With a focus on digital transformation, the call encourages innovative solutions that integrate digital tools such as IoT, AI, blockchain, AR/VR, and digital twins. These solutions aim to optimise electricity grid management, enable predictive maintenance, support energy storage, improve construction logistics, and streamline renewable energy management.
To drive these advancements, the call emphasises the importance of robust communication infrastructures, notably 5G and satellite communications, to meet the data-intensive needs of IoT networks and real-time analytics. Proposed solutions may address areas such as smart grid management, demand response, energy storage optimisation, predictive maintenance, and the integration of renewable resources.
Supported by ESA’s Energy Task Force, this Call for Proposals envisions these stakeholders as both collaborators and prospective users of the developed services.
The Call for Proposals is also conducted in collaboration with the ESA 5G/6G (NTN) Programme Office; it is anticipated that dedicated support and access to the 5G/6G Hub environment capabilities will be offered to industrial contracts resulting from this Call for Proposals.
VALUE OF SPACE AND COMPLEMENTARY TECHNOLOGIES
- Satellite Communication (SatCom): SatCom enables reliable connectivity in areas lacking terrestrial networks, supporting remote IoT sensor data transmission and facilitating hybrid network setups with 5G.
- Internet of Things (IoT): IoT enhances grid monitoring, optimizing energy flow, load balancing, and asset management by providing real-time data critical for maintaining grid stability and sustainability.
- Satellite Earth Observation (SatEO): SatEO data complements IoT by offering environmental insights and long-term analysis, crucial for monitoring infrastructure and predicting renewable energy performance.
- Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS): GNSS provides accurate positioning and timing essential for autonomous systems like drones, aiding in maintenance and inspection tasks.
- AI and Machine Learning (ML): AI and ML improve grid resilience by enabling predictive maintenance, dynamic load balancing, and demand forecasting, supporting data-driven energy management.
- Digital Twins: Digital twins integrate IoT and SatEO data, creating virtual models of assets for real-time monitoring and decision-making.
- Augmented Reality / Virtual Reality (AR/VR) and Metaverse: AR/VR tools can overlay real-time data on digital maps, offering enhanced visualization of grid conditions and aiding in preventive measures.
This call leverages the capabilities of the ESA 5G/6G Hub and the strengths of space-based assets to support the energy sector's shift toward a sustainable, efficient, and resilient future.
WHAT WE LOOK FOR
We look for promising business ideas addressing topics of relevance or related areas that propose:
- attractive market opportunities, identified customer needs and customer engagement
- commercially-viable service concepts
- technically feasible solutions
- added value of space data or technology
- motivated teams with business, technical, and financial expertise
WHAT WE OFFER
We offer funding and support to companies, both for business case assessment and for the development of new, space-based services. Our offer includes:
- zero-equity funding*
- technical and commercial guidance
- access to our network and partners
- ESA brand credibility
*(50-80% depending on SME Status and Member State Approval)
ESA TENDER INFORMATION
The initiative is open to the submission of proposals for Feasibility Studies and Demonstration Projects:
- Feasibility Studies - which provide the preparatory framework to identify, analyse and define new potentially sustainable services
- Demonstration Projects - dedicated to the implementation and demonstration of pre-operational services
HOW TO APPLY
- Scroll down to the ‘Downloads’ section of this webpage to download the official documents at the opening date. Official documents include an Activity Description (including the scope of the call, procurement approach…), an Annex (including relevant use-cases), and other supporting materials (e.g. webinar slides, if applicable)
- Download the Activity Pitch Questionnaire template and submit your pitch as instructed in the Activity Pitch Questionnaire guidelines, through the online form (Select ‘Thematic Call (under 1-10494)’ followed by ‘Integrated Digital Solutions for the Energy Sector’ in the ‘Call’ and ‘Activity’ fields on the first page of the APQ).
- ESA will evaluate your pitch. Teams whose pitches are positively evaluated will be invited to prepare an Outline Proposal and then a Full Proposal. Teams must obtain a Letter of Authorisation from their respective National Delegation before submitting a Full Proposal. Contact details of all National Delegates can be found here: National Delegation(s).
AUTHORISATION OF FUNDING
This opportunity is open to companies that intend to develop space-enabled services and products related, but not restricted, to the topics of relevance outlined above. To be eligible for funding, your team must be based in one of the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom. Teams can involve non-European entities, but their contribution to the activity cannot be funded by ESA. Authorisation of Funding letters from the corresponding National Delegations are required as part of the application.
