Strengthening national frameworks for renewable and efficient heating and cooling in existing buildings

About the call

The call funds the creation of national collaborative platforms that will strengthen the regulatory and financial frameworks for the mass deployment of heat pumps and solar collectors in existing buildings, including in combination with photovoltaics (PV) or hybrid PVT systems. The technologies are mature, but barriers remain: high upfront costs, split incentives between owner and tenant, and an unfavourable ratio of electricity to gas prices in countries with higher levies and taxes on electricity.

Objectives

To carry out a detailed analysis and address - in three to five national markets per application - specific regulatory and market barriers that hinder large-scale adoption of alternative business models, and to strengthen the capacity of authorities and stakeholders.

What is funded

• A detailed assessment of barriers and enabling conditions for alternative business models and financing schemes in each target country.
• Modelling the impact of specific regulatory and non-regulatory options for removing these barriers.
• Assessing opportunities: engaging a wider range of economic actors; adapting public incentives to alternative business models; updating and creating tools for cost transparency and competition; and establishing marketplaces and alliances that increase market transparency.
• Organising the work of national platforms and monitoring the first phase of implementation of the selected measures within the project.

Platform composition

Heating system suppliers and installers, investors and economic actors, the financial community, utility companies, consumer associations, competent national and regional authorities (from various ministries), regulators, energy suppliers, and distribution system operators. The interest and nature of commitment of these actors must already be demonstrated at application stage - through participation in the consortium or through detailed targeted letters of support.

Outside the scope of the call

Business models and financing schemes for new heating and cooling networks, including small-scale networks.

Conditions

• Coverage: 3-5 eligible countries per application.
• Consortium: at least 3 applicants from 3 different countries.
• Indicative grant amount: up to €2 million.
• Cooperation with the national hubs of the European Energy Efficiency Financing Coalition is encouraged.

Deadline

16 September 2026, 17:00 CEST