Description
The European Energy Communities Facility has just launched its second call for proposals. From now until 5 July, emerging energy communities from the 27 EU Member States, Iceland, Moldova, North Macedonia and Ukraine can apply for a lump sum grant of €45,000 to develop a robust business plan for their project. Moreover, if your application is successful, you will have access to national peer-to-peer exchanges and a capacity building programme to support you in developing and implementing the business plan.
level of support
EU-wide
Technical support
Beneficiaries will participate in a capacity building programme designed to help them mature their projects and improve their readiness for investment. The programme is a mandatory element as part of the Facility’s support. It includes a complete set of training modules as well as a business management guide to support the development and implementation of business plans. Additionally, beneficiaries will be able to participate in national peer-to-peer exchanges to facilitate knowledge-sharing, overcoming shared challenges, and fostering collaboration.
type of funding
Grants
Funding amount
Each selected energy community will receive a lump-sum grant of €45.000 to support the development of their business plan.
Eligibility criteria
Applying communities must
• be established as a legal entity,
• comply with the European definitions of Citizen Energy Community or Renewable Energy Community,
• be located in one of the EU’s 27 Member States, Iceland, Ukraine, Moldova or North Macedonia,
• commit to completing the monitoring and impact assessment questionnaires,
• commit to following the capacity building programme during their collaboration with the ENERCOM Facility.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted online via the ENERCOM Facility website.
The process consists of two steps:
1. Eligibility self-check 2. Applicants must first complete an automated self-assessment check which will determine their eligibility.
3. Application form – Only applicants who pass the eligibility check will be able to access and submit the full application form.
During the application phase, applicants will be required to provide a detailed description of both, their energy project and the operational structure of their community.
Evidence Of Success
Following a highly competitive selection process, 73 energy communities have been awarded with a €45,000 grant during the European Energy Communities Facility Call 1 — representing a total funding of more than €3 million from the European Union’s LIFE Clean Energy Transition sub-programme.
Expert Opinion
Much like the European City Facility (EUCF) has empowered municipalities and local authorities to build a strong pipeline of sustainable energy projects across Europe, the EU Energy Communities Facility aims to do the same for energy communities. By providing targeted technical and financial support, this initiative will break down barriers and drive the creation of resilient, community-led energy projects across the continent.
