Scaling up smart and clean energy solutions for affordability in EU cities

About the call

This call links the energy transition to affordability: in EU cities, energy and housing prices have become a politically sensitive issue, and solutions must reduce residents' bills, not just emissions.

Objectives

To scale up already available smart and clean energy solutions in an urban context so that they deliver measurable benefits for energy and housing affordability.

What is funded

• Integration of local renewable generation into urban development.
• Demand response at building and neighbourhood level.
• Smart energy management in buildings and neighbourhoods.
• Energy sharing between residents and buildings.
• Digital services for residents - transparency on consumption, tariffs and bills.
• Addressing regulatory, organisational, financial and social barriers.

What evaluators focus on

Emphasis on non-technological barriers. The technologies already exist - the question is why they do not scale up in cities, and how to change that. A measurable impact on household bills is expected.

Conditions

• Consortium: at least 3 applicants from 3 different countries.
• Indicative grant amount: up to €2 million (check the topic page).
• Typical applicants: cities, city networks, energy agencies, utilities, NGOs.

Deadline

16 September 2026, 17:00 CEST