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LIFE - sub-programme “Clean Energy Transition”

Parent program | LIFE – Programme for the Environment and Climate Action |
Link to the program | cinea.ec.europa.eu |
Content of program
short description | Building on the success of the Intelligent Energy Europe (2003-2013) and Horizon 2020 Energy Efficiency (2014-2020) programmes, the LIFE Clean Energy Transition sub-programme continues to support the delivery of EU policies in the field of sustainable energy, in particular, the European Green Deal, the Energy Union (2030 energy and climate targets) and the European Union’s 2050 long-term decarbonisation strategy. |
program objectives | The specific objectives of the sub-programme "Clean Energy Transition" are the following:
This sub-programme will fund the activities responding to the specific topics defined in the annual calls for proposals which are based on the list of priority topics. Other activities related to energy efficiency and renewable energy, which do not address the specific requirements of the calls defined under this sub-programme can be submitted to the calls under the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation sub-programme. The sub-programme will aim at facilitating the transition toward an energy-efficient, renewable energy-based, climate-neutral and -resilient economy by funding coordination and support actions across Europe. These actions aim at breaking market barriers that hamper the socio-economic transition to sustainable energy, typically engaging multiple small and medium-size stakeholders, multiple actors including local and regional public authorities and non-profit organisations, and involving consumers. The sub-programme will contribute to the implementation of the energy-related actions of the European Green Deal, including the ‘Renovation wave’ initiative for the building sector and will give due consideration to territories not connected to the European grids such as the EU outermost regions. It will contribute to the Just Transition objectives by accompanying the territories and the groups of citizens negatively affected by the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy, by building capacity of actors and fostering clean energy investments, mainly in energy efficiency and locally available, sustainable, renewable energy sources. Activities related to technology development will not be included. A significant part of this budget will be used to finance Coordination and Support Actions (CSA) under OAs grants for the four year period, whereas the possibility to finance SAPs is only foreseen as from 2023. read more |
Expected effects and impacts | The programme will cover the following areas of intervention:
Increasing coherence of energy transition governance at different levels by enhancing multi-stakeholder dialogue and building the capacity of public authorities to deliver under the national energy and climate plans and/or other plans and strategies (e.g. just transition plans, long-term renovation strategies, strategies for the electrification of the transport system). Supporting the development and effective implementation of clean energy policies, including the relevant Union legislation on products and energy consumers, in the EU and third countries. Supporting actions that put into practice the enabling provisions included in the European legislation on clean energy.
Providing support for the decarbonisation of the buildings, industry and tertiary sectors, by fostering market uptake of innovative solutions, including digitalization and circular design in line with the climate neutrality target. Accelerating the clean energy transition by enabling the development of new added-value services and innovative business models. The roll-out of technologies and innovative solutions needs to be accompanied by measures addressing market barriers including support to the development and deployment of new skills and frameworks (labels, certificates, technological and non-technological standards, e.g. for interoperability, etc.).
To upscale investments in sustainable energy, different capital flows need to be made available by addressing both supply and demand of finance, and by using public funds effectively. Supply side activities include: data collection, methodology and evidence-based risk management; harmonisation of definition and measuring of sustainable investments; development of innovative financing mechanisms, products, services and practices; standardisation and aggregation of projects and investments; simplification of the process for investors; capacity building and dialogue. Activities should contribute to EU policy and legislation in the field of sustainable finance.
Build capacity of local public authorities and private investors, notably community collective investors. Facilitate dialogue with the financial sector to deliver sustainable energy investments, including tailored actions contributing to a fair society and to a just energy transition in EU regions most dependent on fossil fuels or carbon intensive processes. Promote public procurement of energy and resource efficient works, supplies and services. Support tailored approaches for local actors to develop investment concepts, implement organisational innovations and aggregate projects. Improve market conditions and develop new integrated services offers for sustainable energy in buildings, transport, ports, and SMEs.
Support citizens in taking an active role in the clean energy transition, including targeted support for collective actions, community and citizen-led initiatives and development of new energy services and social innovations. Strengthen collaboration between local authorities and citizen-led initiatives. Support actions that contribute to alleviate energy poverty. Foster energy literacy and sustainable energy behaviour of citizens, in particular younger generations. read more |
Eligibility criteria
Regions / countries for funding | Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT), EU Member States Moldova (Moldova), Iceland (Ísland), North Macedonia (Северна Македонија), Ukraine (Україна) |
eligible entities Partners |
Research Institution incl. University, Small and medium-sized enterprise (SME), Public Body (national, regional and local; incl. EGTCs), Private institution, incl. private company (private for profit), International organization, Education and training institution, Other, Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) / Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) |
Mandatory partnership | No |
Project Partnership | In order to be eligible, the applicants (beneficiaries and affiliated entities) must:
Natural persons are NOT eligible (with the exception of self-employed persons, i.e. sole traders, where the company does not have legal personality separate from that of the natural person). International organisations are not eligible. The rules on eligible countries do not apply to them. EU bodies (with the exception of the European Commission Joint Research Centre) can NOT be part of the consortium. Entities which do not have legal personality under their national law may exceptionally participate, provided that their representatives have the capacity to undertake legal obligations on their behalf, and offer guarantees for the protection of the EU financial interests equivalent to that offered by legal persons. Countries currently negotiating association agreements — Beneficiaries from countries with ongoing negotiations (see above) may participate in the call and can sign grants if the negotiations are concluded before grant signature (with retroactive effect, if provided in the agreement). |
Additional information
Topics | Administration & Governance, Institutional Capacity & Cooperation, Disaster Prevention, Resilience, Risk Management, Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy |
Relevance for EU Macro-Region | EUSAIR - EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region, EUSALP - EU Strategy for the Alpine Space, EUSBSR - EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region, EUSDR - EU Strategy for the Danube Region |
UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs) |
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Program documents | Verordnung (EU) 2021/783 zur Einrichtung des Programms für die Umwelt- und Klimapolitik (LIFE) (884kB) Regulation 2021/783 establishing a Programme for the Environment and Climate Action (LIFE) (904kB) LIFE - Priority Topics 2025-2027 (8873kB) LIFE Multiannual work programme 2025-2027 - EN (515kB) |
Contact | European Climate Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) - LIFE Website LIFE Programme NCPs Website |
Open calls
24.04.2025 - 23.09.2025
BUILD UP Skills - National Platforms on energy efficiency skills for the clean energy transition
24.04.2025 - 23.09.2025
Boosting the clean energy transition in cities and regions
24.04.2025 - 23.09.2025
Crowding in private finance
24.04.2025 - 23.09.2025
Energy renovation solutions - Making buildings’ renovation faster, deeper, affordable, smarter, service- and data-driven
24.04.2025 - 23.09.2025
European City Facility
24.04.2025 - 23.09.2025
One-Stop-Shops - Integrated services for clean energy transition in buildings
24.04.2025 - 23.09.2025
Project Development Assistance for sustainable energy investments
24.04.2025 - 23.09.2025
Support services for energy communities
24.04.2025 - 23.09.2025
Supporting district heating and cooling networks
24.04.2025 - 23.09.2025
Supporting the clean energy transition of European industry and businesses
24.04.2025 - 23.09.2025
Towards an effective implementation of key legislation in the field of sustainable energy
24.04.2025 - 23.09.2025