Horizon Europe projects supporting the digitalisation and use of AI in the energy system

Following the European Commission's Strategic Roadmap for Digitalisation and AI in energy, published 3 June 2026, CINEA has mapped out how Horizon Europe is funding a wide range of projects to modernise Europe's power system.

Smarter grids are being built to handle more renewables without losing stability. AI models are being tested and developed to help forecast demand and balance electricity in real time. Data centres, often seen as part of the problem, are becoming more energy efficient and even reusing their waste heat. And new data sharing infrastructure is being put in place so consumers can take part more actively in energy markets, including through flexible EV charging.

In total, Horizon Europe has invested around €1 billion in this space since 2021, spread across dozens of projects with names like TwinEU, EnerTEF and ENERSHARE, each tackling a different piece of the puzzle.

Curious which projects are shaping the future of Europe's energy system, and how?