Upcoming

~€91.4M For Clean Energy Transition

The LIFE 2026 Clean Energy Transition call funds coordination and support actions that remove market barriers to clean energy. Up to 95% EU co-financing for capacity building, policy support, and market facilitation.

~€91.4M Total Budget
95% Max Funding
2-3 Year Projects
CSA Action Type

What Is the LIFE Clean Energy Transition?

LIFE Clean Energy Transition (CET) funds coordination and support actions that accelerate the shift to a clean energy economy. Unlike other LIFE strands, CET does not fund technology R&D or hardware — it focuses on removing the market, regulatory, and capacity barriers that slow down clean energy adoption.

The 2026 call is expected to open in April with approximately €91.4M in budget. With up to 95% EU co-financing, this is one of the most accessible EU funding instruments for organisations working on energy transition.

What Gets Funded

  • Local energy planning
  • Building renovation programmes
  • Industrial energy efficiency
  • District heating & cooling
  • Energy poverty reduction
  • Capacity building
  • Policy support & market facilitation

Is This Grant For You?

You Qualify If

  • Your project removes market barriers to clean energy adoption
  • Your organisation is a public or private entity in the EU, EEA, or LIFE-associated countries
  • Your project focuses on capacity building, policy support, or market facilitation
  • You can co-finance at least 5% of the project costs
  • Your activities target energy efficiency, renewables, or clean energy transition

Not For You If

  • Your project is technology R&D or hardware deployment
  • Your organisation is outside the EU/EEA/associated countries
  • Your project is a standard infrastructure or construction project
  • You are looking for funding for ongoing operations
Not Sure? Check Your Eligibility

Key Focus Areas

Lot 1

Local Energy Planning

Supporting municipalities and regions in developing and implementing sustainable energy and climate action plans.

Lot 2

Building Renovation

Market facilitation and capacity building for deep energy renovation of buildings.

Lot 3

Industrial Energy Efficiency

Removing barriers to energy efficiency improvements in industry and SMEs.

Lot 4

District Heating & Cooling

Facilitating the transition to efficient, renewable-based district energy systems.

Lot 5

Energy Poverty

Building capacity to address energy poverty through integrated policy approaches.

Which lot fits your project? Let's discuss.

Our Support Packages

Eligibility & Strategy

  • Eligibility assessment
  • Sub-topic recommendation
  • Application strategy memo
  • Go/no-go recommendation
  • Delivered in 5 business days
Fixed fee
Get Assessed

Post-Award

For successful applicants

  • Compliance monitoring
  • Progress & financial reporting
  • Audit preparation
  • CINEA relationship management
Retainer or per-deliverable
Get Support

Important Dates

April 21, 2026 Call publication
~July 2026 Last date to engage Fundwiser
~September-October 2026 Submission deadline
~Q2 2027 Evaluation results
~Q3 2027 Grant agreement signature

Frequently Asked

What's the difference between CET and SAP?

CET funds coordination and support actions (capacity building, policy support, market facilitation) — not technology R&D or hardware. SAP funds demonstration and best-practice projects with physical implementation.

Can a single organisation apply?

Yes. Both single applicants and consortia are eligible, though multi-partner projects are common.

Why is the funding rate so high (95%)?

CET actions are coordination and support activities that typically don't generate revenue. The high co-financing rate reflects this non-commercial nature.

What activities are NOT eligible?

Technology development, R&D, equipment purchasing, and construction are not eligible. CET focuses on removing non-technical barriers to clean energy adoption.

Is this a loan or grant?

This is a grant — no repayment required.

Who typically applies?

Energy agencies, municipalities, NGOs, industry associations, consultancies, and research organisations focused on market facilitation and capacity building.

Clean Energy
Transition Project?

~€91.4M in funding. Let's discuss your project.