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European Commission

Crowding in private finance

Covers up to 95% of costs for setting up a private financing scheme, like blended loans or on-bill financing, that gets energy-efficiency projects funded.

Proposals can build on or scale up a financing scheme the applicant has already piloted successfully elsewhere, as long as that track record is documented, rather than needing to design something from a blank page. On-bill, on-tax and building-based financing specifically attaches the debt to the energy meter or the building itself, rather than to the household or company that occupies it. The inv…

The LIFE Clean Energy Transition programme wants projects that establish an operational financing scheme mobilising private capital for energy efficiency investments, which can also cover renewables and storage as long as energy efficiency is addressed too. Eligible scheme types include blended grants and debt, guarantees and de-risking instruments, energy performance contracting, on-bill or on-tax financing, white certificate schemes, green bonds, and crowdfunding or brokering platforms that match sustainable energy finance demand with supply. The scheme can be initiated by private-sector stakeholders, local and regional authorities, or other actors, and should use public funds as a catalyst rather than the main funding source.

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.16 Sept 2026
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.€6M

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