Boosting the clean energy transition in cities and regions

The main goal of this opportunity is to help cities and regional authorities develop the skills and capacity they need to create and carry out plans for reducing carbon emissions and supporting the clean energy transition. It focuses on implementing integrated decarbonization plans, developing strategies for local heating and cooling, empowering public authorities to make better energy decisions, and involving stakeholders for a fair and competitive transition. The opportunity aims to help achieve the targets of the EU Green Deal and contribute to energy efficiency and renewable energy goals. Projects should also ensure that the transition benefits all citizens and supports social justice.

• Projects must be submitted by at least three applicants from three different eligible countries.
• Applications must follow the required page limits and layout as described in the application form.
• Projects should focus on either implementing integrated decarbonization plans or developing strategies and tools for local heating and cooling.
• Proposals should request up to 1,750,000€ but other amounts are allowed.
• Projects must clearly show how their activities will lead to measurable impacts using specific indicators.
• Stakeholder engagement and planning for financial resources are essential.

Examples:

• A group of cities from three different countries work together to create and implement a joint decarbonization plan for their urban areas.
• Regional authorities develop a shared methodology for local heating and cooling strategies, including templates and blueprints for other cities to use.
• A partnership between city councils and energy agencies designs a framework for engaging local stakeholders in energy transition efforts.

• Personnel costs
• Subcontracting
• Travel and subsistence
• Equipment (depreciation or rental)
• Consumables and materials
• Dissemination and communication
• Access to research infrastructure
• IPR and certification
• Audit costs
• Indirect costs (25% flat rate)
• Internally invoiced services

• Co-financing rate: 95%
• Budget of the call: 7,000,000€
• Maximum budget per grant: 1,750,000€

• Public or private legal entities are eligible.

• Applicants must be based in EU Member States, overseas territories, EEA countries, or LIFE-associated countries.

• At least 3 independent entities from 3 different eligible countries are required.

• The coordinating applicant must be based in an eligible country.

• Eligible applicants include local or regional authorities, energy agencies, NGOs, universities, research institutions, private companies (including SMEs), and public-private partnerships.

• Individuals (natural persons) are not eligible.

• Entities not based in eligible countries are not eligible.

• Entities under EU sanctions or restrictions are not eligible.