European Space Agency: Integrated Digital Solutions For The Energy Sector

Key Features

ESA invites proposals for projects that leverage space-based technologies to advance resilience and sustainability in the energy sector.

Programme:     European Space Agency

Award:     Share of up to €500,000

Opens: 13th Feb 2025

Closes: 30th Jun 2025

! This scheme is opening soon

Overview

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.

Who can apply

This opportunity is open to companies that intend to develop space-enabled services and products in ESA member states, including the UK. Authorisation of Funding letters from the corresponding National Delegations are required as part of the application.

ESA 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

Eligiblity

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; maximum total cost €500,000
  • Demonstration Projects – dedicated to the implementation and demonstration of pre-operational services

 

ESA offer funding and support to companies, both for business case assessment and for the development of new, space-based services, including:

  • zero-equity funding (50-80% depending on SME Status and Member State Approval)
  • technical and commercial guidance
  • access to our network and partners
  • ESA brand credibility

Technologies

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS): GNSS provides accurate positioning and timing essential for autonomous systems like drones, aiding in maintenance and inspection tasks.
  5. 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.
  6. Digital Twins: Digital twins integrate IoT and SatEO data, creating virtual models of assets for real-time monitoring and decision-making.
  7. 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.

If you would like help to find a collaboration partner or have queries about contacting the relevant National Delegation, contact Innovate UK Business Connect’s Space team.

Funding Costs

Maximum total cost for feasibility studies is €500,000 per study: ESA will fund up to 80% of this for SMEs, or up to 50% for larger companies. Demonstration projects will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Interested in applying for this competition?

Book an appointment to speak to one of our advisors to discuss your eligibility to apply for this Grant Funding opportunity.