Emerging energy communities often rely on volunteer efforts to launch their initial clean energy projects. They frequently encounter barriers when developing viable business plans, navigating the complex administrative journey, articulating a vision for the project, and building their credibility vis-a-vis financial institutions.
The European Energy Communities Facility will provide energy communities with the resources needed to professionalize their work - helping them secure the financial capital required to bring citizen-led clean energy projects to life.
Funding and capacity building for new citizen-led energy projects
The European Energy Communities Facility will support at least 140 energy communities across Europe in developing and implementing viable business plans through a tailored capacity-building programme and €7 million in lump sum grants.
Energy communities in EU Member States, Iceland, Moldova, North Macedonia, and Ukraine will have the opportunity to apply for this grant through two calls for applications.
Reaching energy communities on the ground
A European network of national experts will ensure that the initiative reaches energy communities from the field. They will play a key role in bridging the European Energy Communities Facility and local actors in the 29 target countries – providing support to energy communities throughout the application process, by offering guidance in their native language and leveraging their deep expertise in their country’s energy landscape.
Paving the way for a clean, democratic energy transition
For the EU’s energy transition to succeed, citizens and local communities must be actively involved. Energy communities have proved their capacity to provide reliable, affordable and clean energy while contributing to the economic growth of their own communities – they can generate a return of €2.5 to €7 for their communities for every euro invested.
The European Energy Communities Facility is an unprecedented initiative - both in scope and funding - to support the growing and dynamic community energy movement in Europe. Energy communities are a key driver in the energy transition towards a sustainable, fair, and democratic energy future.