European City Facility call eight open for governments with sustainable energy projects
European City Facility call for sustainable energy projects
The European City Facility is a European funding instrument that supports municipalities in preparing investments in sustainable energy. Funded through the European LIFE Programme, the scheme focuses on projects that contribute to energy efficiency, renewable energy generation and more sustainable heating and cooling systems.
Municipalities can receive a fixed grant of € 60,000 per selected project. This funding can be used to develop a concrete investment plan that helps attract potential investors and brings sustainable energy projects closer to implementation.
Which activities are eligible for funding?
The grant can be used for activities including:
- Technical feasibility studies and market research;
- Financial, economic and legal analyses;
- Risk assessments and the exploration of investment opportunities;
- Engagement with relevant stakeholders and external experts.
The EUCF grant therefore does not finance the actual implementation of energy projects. Instead, it supports the preparatory activities needed to make future investments possible.
New: municipal heating and cooling plans are now eligible
An important change in the eighth EUCF call is the expansion of the eligibility criteria. Previously, municipalities were required to have a Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan (SECAP) or a comparable climate and energy strategy. From this funding round onwards, municipalities can also use a local heating and cooling plan to demonstrate their strategic ambitions.
This creates new opportunities for goverments, local authorities and municipalities. Those working on the decarbonisation of district heating networks, collective heating systems or other local energy infrastructure may now find it easier to qualify for EUCF funding.
Budget allocation for the eighth European City Facility call
The eighth EUCF call is open to municipalities, local authorities, groupings of municipalities and certain public bodies representing municipalities. The total budget of € 3.72 million, which can support approximately 62 projects, is divided across three European regions:
- Northern and Western Europe: 16 projects
- Southern Europe: 23 projects
- Central and Eastern Europe: 23 projects
Applications will be assessed based on several criteria, including the ambition of the investment plan, organisational structure, stakeholder engagement and the feasibility of the proposal.
Why is this call relevant to your municipality?
Many municipalities already have climate targets and energy transition plans in place. The eighth European City Facility call can complement these existing ambitions by helping bridge the gap between policy objectives and actual investment. By developing a concrete investment concept, municipalities can identify how much funding is required, which parties could contribute and under what conditions a project could be implemented.
Collaboration between municipalities is also encouraged and can offer significant opportunities. For example, several municipalities could work together to develop a regional district heating network or a large-scale energy efficiency programme. In this way, the scheme not only provides financial support but also encourages regional cooperation in the energy transition.
Apply for your European City Facility grant now
Is your municipality working on sustainable energy projects that still require a feasibility study, financial assessment or investment strategy? The European City Facility could provide a valuable grant opportunity. Our specialists can help you assess the available funding opportunities and prepare a suitable application. Contact us at info@hezelburcht.com, call 088 495 20 00 or complete the contact form below:
