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Supporting digitalisation of Distribution System Operators for a smart energy transition (Smart Grid Academy)

Covers up to 95% of costs for projects that build electricity Distribution System Operators' in-house digital and AI capacity across at least 3 countries.

Evaluation criteria, scoring and thresholds for this call sit in the call document rather than on the topic page itself. Funded projects have to show real DSO buy-in before they are even assessed: proposals need to name the Distribution System Operators and territories they target and demonstrate commitment, either by bringing those DSOs into the consortium directly or by attaching tailored letter…

The LIFE Clean Energy Transition programme wants projects that help electricity Distribution System Operators, especially small and local ones, build the skills and capacity to modernise their networks with data management, grid observability and AI tools. Proposals should help each targeted DSO build a tailor-made Digitalisation Roadmap covering data exchange, real-time grid monitoring and safe AI deployment, and support getting that roadmap embedded into the DSO's own Distribution Network Development Plan. The focus is on rolling out proven digital technologies and capacity building, not developing or demonstrating new technology.

CycleiHow often this grant runs - e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.No fixed schedule
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.-
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.-
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.-
Award typeiThe form of funding - grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.5%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.€10M

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