News
Funding opportunities for energy communities
As the summer closes, REScoop.eu has noted a number of initiatives aiming to support the development of energy communities in Europe through financial or technical assistance. We hope you find these useful for your project or members of your community!
Grants to develop your business plan with the European Energy Communities Facility
The European Energy Communities Facility is an EU-funded project that aims to empower and support the development of energy communities across Europe.
It will support at least 140 energy communities in developing business plans through lump sum grants and a capacity-building programme.
Successful applicants will receive a lump sum grant of €45,000 to develop a robust business plan for their initiative. Moreover, they will have access to national peer-to-peer exchanges and a tailored capacity-building programme to support them in developing and implementing the business plan.
Financial and technical assistance with the Western Balkans initiative
A new initiative led by the Emilia-Romagna Region, with support from REScoop.eu and the European Commission, has been launched to assist the creation and strengthening of energy communities across five Western Balkans countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. Support will also be provided to cross-border initiatives including partners from four additional countries: Croatia, Greece, Slovenia and Italy.
Up to 10 lighthouse projects will be selected to receive up to €200,000 in financial support, tailored technical assistance and mentoring, support in financial planning and community governance, access to a customised energy management tool and visibility, networking, and knowledge-sharing across the region.
Financial and technical support with the Cross-Border Energy Communities initiative
The Cross-Border Energy Communities initiative, developed under the Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO), aims to promote cross-border cooperation and integration of energy communities in border regions.
The initiative offers financial and technical support to local actors to initiate and strengthen the development of cross-border or quasi cross-border energy communities through pilot actions.
Pilots can apply for €15,000 to kickstart an innovative cross-border energy community. Selected projects will also receive expert technical assistance from REScoop.eu.
Technical assistance and resources with the Citizen Energy Advisory Hub
The European Commission has launched the Citizen Energy Advisory Hub (CEAH), a new initiative to promote a bottom-up approach to the energy transition, enhance citizen participation and strengthen its social dimension. Technical assistance is foreseen for 120 selected citizens and/or local actors to help them plan, develop or scale up sustainable energy projects. Any citizen involved in energy initiatives in the EU can apply, including energy communities, local authorities, and social economy initiatives. Two competitive calls for proposals will be opened, the first planned for the end of 2025 and the second in 2026.
A knowledge hub is also foreseen to compile resources, covering many topics including guidance on designing and financing projects, how to navigate regulatory frameworks and emerging technologies, how to promote and boost engagement with local projects, and how to pursue advocacy efforts.
