GSS EU Science Funding Gateway

Proposals should demonstrate a clear showcase dimension in delivering replicable solutions for accelerating sustainable energy investments across Europe, as regards:

• the organisational innovation for the mobilisation of the investment programme such as setting up project development units or establishing efficient procurement procedures for large-scale bundling and pooling of (mixed) assets. The geographical focus can be at district, city or a wider level; and/or
• financial engineering with a particular focus on leveraging enhanced levels of private investment and improved combination of existing funds. This could include Energy Performance Contracting, financial instruments, blended funds, innovative on-bill and on-tax payment schemes, community-based financing schemes, etc.

Proposals should aim for high ambition levels of energy savings and decarbonisation, such as deep renovation, NZEB standards, positive energy buildings or districts and/or highly energy efficient infrastructure.

Proposals could target sectors including:

• Buildings
• Existing residential buildings including large social housing operators.
• Existing non-residential buildings of public or commercial owners, including defence facilities such as their offices, hospitals and academies.
• District Heating
• Decarbonisation and modernisation of existing district heating/cooling networks, including investments related to the expansion of existing systems.
• Infrastructure
• Existing public infrastructure such as water/wastewater services or lighting.
• Businesses
• Improving energy efficiency of industry and services, including SMEs through, for example, market facilitators that are supporting investment projects.
• Renewables
• Building-integrated renewables and other small-scale renewables generation and storage.
• Renewable energy production, including from energy communities and other citizen-led initiatives.
• Mobility
• Clean and energy efficient urban transport infrastructure.
• Low emission urban mobility solutions including conversion of urban areas for soft mobility or non-motorised transport.
• Integration of smart recharging infrastructures in buildings, including in multi-family buildings.