Description
The EU Energy Communities Facility is a new initiative designed to support the establishment and growth of energy communities across Europe. Starting in autumn 2024 with a budget of €10 million, the Facility will provide technical and financial support for around 140 local energy projects. The Facility focuses on helping communities develop investment-ready business plans, along with providing essential training and networking opportunities. By offering tailored assistance, the program aims to create long-term, replicable business solutions for energy communities to actively participate in Europe’s clean energy transition.
level of support
EU-wide
type of funding
Grants
Funding amount
€7 million in lump sum grants.
support area
Feasibility Studies, Project Planning, Citizen Engagement, Mentorship and Coaching, Peer-learning, Legal and Regulatory Guidance, Training and Capacity Building, Technology Selection and Optimization, Business Model Development, Permits, Grid Connection Assistance, Financing Support, Stakeholder Engagement
Support scope
The Facility will provide technical and financial support for around 140 local energy projects helping communities develop investment-ready business plans, along with providing essential training and networking opportunities.
Eligibility criteria
Open to energy communities within the EU focused on renewable energy or energy efficiency projects.
Application Process and Timeline
Applicants must create an account in the application portal. Application portal is under development. Detailed eligibility criteria will be available in April 2025. The first application call opens on 1 June 2025 and closes on 30 September 2025. The evaluation results are expected to be communicated by December 2025. Applicants who are not selected in the first call will have another opportunity in the second call!
Evidence Of Success
This is a newly launched program; future success stories will focus on replicable community-led clean energy projects across Europe.
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.
