Crowding in private finance

Call LIFE-2026 under the LIFE Clean Energy Transition programme supports establishment and pilot testing of operational financing schemes to mobilise private finance for energy efficiency investments, optionally combined with renewables and storage. The topic budget is €6,000,000 with an indicative maximum EU contribution of €1,500,000 per proposal and a funding rate of 95% of eligible costs. Eligible applicants are legal entities established in LIFE-eligible countries and proposals may be submitted by a single applicant or applicants from a single eligible country. Submissions are single-stage via the EU Funding and Tenders Portal with a deadline of 16 September 2026, 17:00 Brussels time.

What it funds

Sets up and pilots operational financing schemes that mobilise private finance for investments in energy efficiency, potentially combined with renewables and energy storage. Eligible instruments include debt/equity blending, guarantees, risk-sharing, energy service finance models, on-bill/building-based finance, refinancing/securitisation, crowdfunding and brokering/aggregation facilities.

Aim and expected results

Proposals must deliver an operational financing scheme in at least one LIFE-eligible country, demonstrate a credible pipeline of investible projects and quantify expected investment volumes and energy impacts by project end and five years after. Activities should pilot test the scheme during the project and plan replication/rollout.

Deadline:16 September 2026, 17:00 Brussels time.

Who can apply:A single applicant or applicants from a single eligible country under the LIFE programme. Applicants may be private-sector stakeholders, local/regional authorities, financial institutions, energy service actors or other legal entities able to implement and pilot the financing scheme.

Funding and budget

This topic is funded under LIFE Clean Energy Transition. The LIFE programme’s indicative topic contribution is shown in the call budget and the Commission considers contributions up to €1.5 million appropriate for a single proposal, while the topic envelope in the 2026 call is €6,000,000 for PRIVAFIN across selected awards ¹.

1. 1Typical contribution suggested by the Commission for competitive proposals: up to €1.5 million (not mandatory).
2. 2Funding rate: Other Action Grants (OAGs) — 95%.
3. 3Grant form: LIFE Project Grant / LIFE Action Grant (budget-based) — submit via the Funding & Tenders Portal.

Key eligibility and scope highlights

1. 1Financing scheme must be operational by project end and piloted during the project.
2. 2Scheme must support energy efficiency and may combine renewables and storage; proposals addressing only renewables or storage without energy efficiency are out of scope.
3. 3Proposals should demonstrate demand (pipeline) aligned with scheme requirements and financial viability (market analysis, transaction costs, returns).
4. 4Applicants should demonstrate stakeholder support, plan replication beyond the initial territory and coordinate with national hubs of the European Energy Efficiency Financing Coalition where relevant.
5. 5If public funding is used in the scheme, support from relevant managing authorities should be documented.

Proposals must quantify results and impacts for project end and for five years after, using topic indicators (number and volume of projects, investors using the scheme, investments triggered, primary energy savings, GWh/year and tCO2-eq/year reductions where relevant).

Footnotes

1. 1Budget overview in the official call lists LIFE-2026 with an indicative topic envelope of €6,000,000; applicants may request different amounts and selection is competitive. See the call page on the Funding & Tenders Portal for full budget tables and call documentation LIFE Call Portal.

Key facts

Call identifier:LIFE-2026. Programme: LIFE Clean Energy Transition. Type of action: LIFE Project Grants — Other Action Grants (OAGs). Opening date: 21 April 2026. Deadline for submission: 16 September 2026, 17:00 Brussels time. Submission model: single-stage (one full proposal). Funding rate: OAGs — 95% of eligible costs.

What the topic funds (scope and objective)

Objective:increase the amount of private finance allocated to energy efficiency and renewable energy by establishing dedicated financing schemes that leverage private capital, using public funds as a catalyst and enabling replication and scale up. Projects must set up and pilot-test an operational financing scheme in at least one LIFE-eligible country and ensure it is operational by project end with credible access to financing sources and a prospective investment pipeline. The scheme must address energy efficiency; schemes only addressing renewables or storage without energy efficiency are out of scope. Proposals may include blending (equity, debt + grants), guarantees, risk-sharing, energy service business models (EPC, efficiency-as-a-service), on-bill/building-based financing, securitisation/refinancing/green bonds, white certificates/auctions, crowdfunding/citizen financing, brokering/aggregation/clearing houses and other market-based instruments. Projects must present clear business case, market analysis, pipeline, stakeholder engagement, replication plan and quantify impacts for end of project and 5 years after. Commission indicative contribution: up to €1.5 million per proposal is considered appropriate, though other amounts may be proposed.

Expected impacts and required indicators

Qualitative outcomes to demonstrate:operational financing schemes ready to finance investments; increased investability of energy efficiency projects (possibly combined with renewables and storage) for private financing sources; acceleration of energy efficiency investments. Quantitative indicators requested for end of project and for 5 years after include: number of investment projects and volume processed during project and expected to be financed in next 5 years (with robust justification and market analysis); number of investors and project developers using the financing scheme; cumulative investments in sustainable energy (M EUR) triggered by the scheme; average percent primary energy savings targeted by financed projects; and LIFE CET common indicators (primary energy savings GWh/yr, final energy savings GWh/yr, renewable generation GWh/yr, GHG reductions tCO2-eq/yr). Proposals should also provide project-specific indicators.

Eligible applicants and consortium rules

Eligible applicant types:single applicants or multiple applicants from a single eligible (LIFE) country. Typical applicants include local and regional authorities, private sector stakeholders (financial institutions, funds, ESCOs, project developers), non-profits, NGOs, energy agencies, one-stop-shops, and other organisations able to set up financing schemes. The call text explicitly allows single-applicant proposals or applicants (all beneficiaries) from a single eligible country. No cross-border consortium is required, but multi-beneficiary proposals are allowed where appropriate and can include affiliated entities, associated partners or subcontractors as set out in the LIFE Grant Agreement.

Eligible applicant types:startup; SME; large enterprise; bank/financial institution; investment fund; university; research institute; non-profit; NGO; local/regional government; energy agency; public-private partnership; investor; other (one-stop-shops, ESCOs, aggregators).

Funding characteristics

Primary financial mechanism:Action grant (LIFE Project Grant — Other Action Grant) covering up to 95% of eligible project costs. The grant is budget-based (actual cost) and the LIFE grant model documents and application templates apply. Financial support to third parties is allowed only if declared eligible in the call and must follow transparent selection and limit rules. The Commission indicates that requests up to €1.5 million are appropriate for this topic and the LIFE-2026 CET topic budget headline for PRIVAFIN is €6,000,000 for the CET call year 2026 (topic-level budget in the multi-topic call). The LIFE funding rules (MGA) and detailed budget templates apply.

Funding type:grant (LIFE Project Grant — LIFE Action Grant Budget-Based [LIFE-AG], Other Action Grant — OAG)

Funding amount and rate:Indicative EU contribution: Commission considers up to €1.5 million appropriate per proposal; topic budget in LIFE-2026-CET overview: €6,000,000 for PRIVAFIN. Funding rate: 95% of eligible costs (OAG).

Geographic and eligibility scope

Beneficiary geographic eligibility:LIFE-eligible countries (Member States of the EU and possible associated countries listed in the LIFE call document). The financing scheme must be established and piloted in at least one eligible country under the LIFE programme to develop a sound investment pipeline. Proposals may cover one country or several countries but applicants may only be single applicant or applicants from one eligible country under this topic (i.e. consortium partners must be from the same eligible country if multi-applicant). The call document provides the full list of eligible countries in its section on eligibility.

Beneficiary scope:EU / EEA and LIFE-eligible associated countries (see LIFE call document for exact list).

Target sector and project stage

Target sector:sustainable energy finance for energy efficiency investments (potentially combined with renewables and energy storage). Relevant sub-sectors include buildings (residential and non-residential), SMEs, district heating, public buildings and other local/regional sectors. Thematic overlaps: energy efficiency, renewables, clean energy transition, finance and market instruments, building renovation, industrial decarbonisation, digitalisation/aggregation platforms and energy services. Expected project maturity: pilot testing and deployment of financing schemes; demonstration and validation of business models, market readiness and pipeline development. Typical project stage: validation / demonstration / pilot to deployment and scale-up (pre-commercial market roll-out of financing mechanisms and project aggregation techniques).

Target sector:energy efficiency in buildings and other sectors; renewables in buildings; energy storage as combined where relevant; sustainable energy finance; innovation in business models and financial instruments.

Mentioned countries and region

The topic text does not list specific countries; it refers to LIFE-eligible countries under the LIFE programme (Member States and associated countries). The geographic reference is the EU / LIFE region. Applicants must establish the financing scheme in at least one eligible country under LIFE.

Mentioned countries:No specific countries named; region: EU / LIFE-eligible countries.

Application and evaluation process

Application type:open call for proposals under LIFE Clean Energy Transition, single-stage submission via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. Applicants must use the LIFE application templates (Part A administrative forms generated in the Portal and Part B technical description uploaded as PDF) and the LIFE detailed budget table. The call is single-stage — submit full proposal by the deadline. Admissibility, eligibility, financial and operational capacity and exclusion checks will be applied. Evaluation follows LIFE award criteria and thresholds (see call document Section 8–9 and Online Manual). Funding decision and Model Grant Agreement follow evaluation and negotiation steps as published by CINEA/Commission.

Application type:open call, single-stage, online submission through the Funding & Tenders Portal (use LIFE templates).

Application stages:1 (single-stage full proposal submission).

Evaluation timeline:opening 21 April 2026; deadline 16 September 2026; indicative evaluation timetable described in the call document. Applicants must respect page limits, use the correct template in the Submission System and ensure all eligibility documents are uploaded.

Nature of support, co-funding and profitability

Nature of support:financial (grant) to develop and pilot financing schemes; grants may also be combined with non-financial support such as technical assistance, capacity building and brokering activities. Life grants under this topic are budget-based and reimburse eligible costs; beneficiaries will receive money. Co-funding requirement: LIFE funding rate is 95% — beneficiaries must provide the remaining contribution (5%) from own or other sources. The call expects the scheme to leverage private finance beyond the grant; proposals must quantify expected mobilised private investments and demonstrate multiplier effects. The LIFE no-profit rule for action grants applies where relevant: projects must not generate profits for profit-oriented beneficiaries from LIFE funds (check specific provisions in the LIFE MGA).

Nature of support:money (grant) — budget-based action grant (LIFE AG — OAG) with 95% funding rate.

Co-funding requirement:yes — beneficiary co-financing required (typically 5% when LIFE funds 95%); project must show blended finance and leverage of private capital.

Success rates and selection

Success rates:the call and topic pages do not publish a numerical success rate; indicative number of grants under LIFE-2026-CET PRIVAFIN topic is governed by the overall CET call budget and selection ranking (topic budget: €6,000,000 for PRIVAFIN in the 2026 budget overview). Selection is competitive; proposals are evaluated against LIFE award criteria (relevance, impact, quality of implementation, etc.) and thresholds described in the call document.

Indicative number of grants and topic budget:LIFE-2026 topic contribution line in the budget overview: €6,000,000 (call-level). Commission considers proposals requesting up to €1.5 million appropriate.

Templates and application documents

Required templates and supporting documents are published on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal and referenced in the call documents. Key templates and annexes include: (a) Standard Application Form (LIFE SAP and OAG) — Part A administrative forms are generated in the Submission System; Part B technical description (LIFE SAP and OAG template) to upload as PDF; (b) Detailed budget table (LIFE) XLSX; (c) Participant information template; (d) Cofinancing declaration where relevant; (e) Complementary funding plan and declaration (for SIP/SNAP where applicable); (f) Model Grant Agreement (LIFE MGA) and annexes with eligibility, reporting and MGA terms; (g) Guidance documents and Online Manual. The Portal also contains the LIFE Multiannual Work Programme 2025–2027 and relevant legislation (LIFE Regulation 2021/783, EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509).

Key application templates (where to find):Standard application form (LIFE SAP and OAG) — available in the Submission System; Detailed budget table (LIFE) — template XLSX; Participant information; Cofinancing declaration; Model Grant Agreement (LIFE MGA) and guidance documents on the Funding & Tenders Portal.

Application preparation advice (practical points)

Proposals must:quantify results for project end and for 5 years after project end; provide rigorous market analysis and pipeline justification for expected volumes and investors; demonstrate credible access to financing sources and concrete pilot testing during the project; describe risk allocation, governance and operational setup of the financing scheme; explain additionality and complementarity with existing national/EU public funds, including coherence with Cohesion funds and InvestEU where relevant; demonstrate stakeholder support (managing authorities where public funding is involved) and involve financial institutions and energy services market operators; plan replication/roll-out and evaluate legal/market replication conditions; quantify impacts using LIFE common and topic indicators; follow LIFE application page limits and template structure; submit in the electronic Submission System before the deadline.

Assessment and award criteria highlights

Evaluation follows LIFE award criteria (as detailed in the Call document):relevance of the project to topic objectives and EU policy, quality and effectiveness of proposed activities and methodology, quality of the business case and financial viability of the scheme, quality of consortium and implementation arrangements where relevant, capacity to deliver and monitor impacts, potential to catalyse private finance and to replicate/scale, soundness of the market analysis and pipeline, stakeholder engagement and support, clarity of financing mechanisms and safeguards, sustainability and long-term operation of the scheme.

What reviewers will expect to see in a strong PRIVAFIN proposal

1. 1Clear description of the financing scheme (structure: equity/debt/grants/guarantees/insurance/ESCo, securitisation, on-bill, refinancing vehicles, green bonds, crowdfunding, aggregation/brokering) and the innovation/additionality compared to market practice
2. 2Solid market analysis and pipeline evidence: number and profile of potential investment projects, typical ticket sizes, geographic and sector focus, assessment of bankability and required standardisation to reach private investors
3. 3Credible financial model and business case: costs of implementation and management, sources of funds, revenue streams, risk sharing, expected leverage of private funds (with rationale), sensitivity analyses and mitigation plans
4. 4Operational setup and governance: legal structure, involvement of financial institutions, ESCOs, local authorities and project developers, roles & responsibilities, consumer protection and quality assurance mechanisms
5. 5Pilot testing plan with measurable KPIs and indicators for both project end and 5-year projection, including energy savings and expected investment volumes
6. 6Replication and scaling strategy: legal, regulatory and market conditions, roll-out plan, linkages with public funds/one-stop-shops/NECPs and national hubs of the European Energy Efficiency Financing Coalition
7. 7Stakeholder support and letters of commitment (especially from managing authorities if public funds are involved) and risk management approach.
8. 8Clear monitoring, reporting and impact evaluation plan aligned with LIFE indicators.

Risks, common exclusion and compliance issues

Common issues leading to ineligibility or rejection:proposals that do not address energy efficiency as a central element; lack of a clear operational financing scheme; insufficient evidence of pipeline and demand; weak financial viability and missing leverage justification; absence of stakeholder or managing authority support where public funds are involved; poor or missing market/legal replication analysis; failure to provide required administrative documents or exceed page limits; double funding of the same costs. The LIFE MGA sets out strict rules on eligible costs, record keeping, audits and recoveries.

Application checklist (core items to include)

1. 1Fully completed Part A administrative forms in the Submission System and signed declarations
2. 2Part B technical description (LIFE OAG template) addressing all award criteria and including quantified impacts (end of project and 5 years after)
3. 3Detailed budget table (LIFE) and justification of budget items and funding plan
4. 4Evidence of pipeline and market analysis (tables, signed MOUs or letters of support where applicable)
5. 5Letters of support/commitment from participating financial institutions, managing authorities or local/regional authorities where public funds are involved
6. 6Any required certificates or declarations (cofinancing, complementary funding declarations if relevant)
7. 7If providing financial support to third parties: selection criteria, maximum amounts per third party, and transparent grant mechanism described in Annex 1.

Templates and documents referenced

• Call document — LIFE Clean Energy Transition (LIFE-2026-CET) and topic fiche for PRIVAFIN
• LIFE Application Form templates (Part B PDF template for OAG and Part A forms generated in Portal)
• Detailed budget table (LIFE) template (XLSX)
• Participant information template (to be uploaded as Annex)
• Cofinancing declaration and Complementary funding plan templates (if applicable)
• Model Grant Agreement — LIFE MGA and LIFE Operating Grants Flat-Rate MGA
• Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual and LIFE guidance documents.

Eligible applicant types (detailed)

Eligible applicant types:Startups and scale-ups that act as originators/aggregators; SMEs and large enterprises (project developers, ESCOs, platform providers); financial institutions (banks, credit unions, green funds, institutional investors, asset managers); investment platforms and securitisation vehicles; public authorities (local, regional), energy agencies, one-stop-shops and renovation service providers; non-profit organisations and NGOs (especially for community or citizen financing solutions); research institutes and universities (for analytical, modelling and capacity-building roles); public-private partnerships and multi-stakeholder consortia; accredited managing authorities where public blending is proposed.

Project stage and expectations

Expected maturity at application:projects should be beyond idea stage with sound market analysis, defined financing mechanisms, identified stakeholders and a credible pilot pipeline of projects. The action must pilot-test the financing scheme during project lifetime and make the scheme operational by the end of the project. The related investments may be implemented after project completion, but pilot transactions or binding commitments during the project strengthen the proposal.

Success factors and scoring focus

Scoring will reward proposals that convincingly demonstrate:credible and measurable leverage of private capital; well-structured and scalable scheme design; contractual and governance arrangements that minimise conflicts of interest; transparent investor protections and quality assurance; thorough legal/regulatory analysis for replication; concrete engagement and commitment of financiers and developers; deliverable-driven piloting with measured KPIs; plausible financial modelling and sensitivity testing; and a realistic plan for sustainability and roll-out beyond LIFE funding.

Administrative and eligibility reminders

Admissibility and eligibility rules:Respect Part B page limits and format (see call document and Submission System template). Ensure all beneficiaries and affiliated entities are from eligible countries. Complete financial and operational capacity checks and upload any required certificates or declarations. Read the LIFE MGA in full (payment schedules, reporting and audit rules, record-keeping requirements, liability and recovery procedures). Non-compliance may result in rejections, recoveries or termination.

Footnote:The Commission indicates that a proposal requesting up to €1.5 million would allow the specific objectives of the PRIVAFIN topic to be addressed appropriately; nonetheless selection of other amounts is not precluded ¹.

Summary — What is this opportunity about and how to approach it

This LIFE topic finances projects that establish, test and make operational dedicated financing schemes to crowd in private capital for energy efficiency investments, potentially combined with renewables and energy storage. The scheme must be operational by project end and demonstrate credible access to financing and a prospective pipeline of investible projects. The expected output is a financing mechanism (blended finance, guarantees, ESCO-type offerings, securitisation, on-bill or building-based finance, green bonds, etc.) that is bankable for private capital, structured to address specific energy-efficiency investment barriers (small ticket size, standardisation, transaction costs, risk profile), pilot-tested with demonstrators and supported by a clear business case and replication plan. Applicants should prioritise robust market analysis, documented pipeline, partnerships with financial institutions and market operators, realistic financial models, safeguards for consumers and quality assurance, and a quantified impact monitoring framework extending to 5 years post-project. Proposals must be submitted through the Portal using the LIFE templates and meet administrative and eligibility requirements set out in the call documents. Funding is an action grant covering up to 95% of eligible costs; Commission guidance suggests €1.5 million as an appropriate request level for this topic though other amounts can be requested.

Footnotes

1. 1Commission call text: LIFE-2026 topic description and guidance are available on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal; applicants must consult the Call Document, Model Grant Agreement, Portal Online Manual and specific annexes for full requirements and templates.

Funding Opportunity Overview

The Crowding in Private Finance call LIFE-2026 is a Coordination and Support Action under the LIFE Clean Energy Transition sub-programme. This opportunity aims to increase private finance allocation to energy efficiency and renewable energy sources by establishing dedicated financing schemes that leverage private capital with public funds acting as a catalyst.

Key Opportunity Details

Call Reference:LIFE-2026

Programme:Programme for the Environment and Climate Action (LIFE) 2021-2027

Type of Action:Other Action Grants (OAGs) - Coordination and Support Actions (CSA)

Opening Date:21 April 2026

Deadline:16 September 2026, 17:00 Brussels time (single-stage submission)

Total Budget Available:€6,000,000

Funding Rate:95% of eligible costs

Expected Maximum EU Contribution per Proposal:€1,500,000 (Commission considers this appropriate, but other amounts may be submitted and selected)

Strategic Context and Objectives

The topic addresses a critical market gap:while significant public sector expenditure is allocated to leverage private finance for energy efficiency and renewables through mechanisms like the InvestEU facility, most private investors still view these investments as risky, complex, and insufficiently profitable. This is primarily due to limited availability of investment opportunities that meet financial institutions' requirements regarding size, scale, standardisation, and transaction costs.

The call supports implementation of key EU legislation including the Energy Efficiency Directive, Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, Renewable Energy Directive, Clean Industrial Deal, and Affordable Energy Action Plan. It also aligns with the REPowerEU Plan objective to reduce EU dependence on fossil fuel imports and strengthens energy system resilience against geopolitical crises.

Who Can Apply

Proposals may be submitted by a single applicant or by applicants from a single eligible country. This represents a change from previous years when at least three applicants from three different countries were required.

Eligible Applicants:Legal entities (public or private bodies) established in EU Member States, overseas countries and territories (OCTs), listed EEA countries, or countries associated to the LIFE Programme

Eligible Entity Types:Public authorities, private sector stakeholders, financial institutions, energy service companies, local and regional authorities, non-profit organisations, and other types of actors

Scope and Eligible Activities

Proposals must establish an operational financing scheme supporting investments in energy efficiency, potentially combined with renewables and energy storage. The scheme must be established in at least one eligible country and should be operational by project end with credible access to financing sources and a prospective investment pipeline. Related investments may be implemented after project completion, but pilot testing during the project is expected.

Mandatory Requirements

• Establish an operational financing scheme supporting energy efficiency investments, potentially combined with renewables and energy storage in at least one eligible country
• Proposals addressing only renewable energy, renewable fuel switch, or energy storage without energy efficiency will be judged out of scope
• Address both finance provision and ensure availability of demand through a project pipeline complying with scheme requirements
• Define targeted regions and sectors with clear demonstration of business case and financial viability
• Plan replication and rollout beyond targeted regions with analysis of legal and market conditions
• Demonstrate support of targeted stakeholder groups with detailed involvement throughout the project
• Demonstrate additionality and innovation compared to current market practices
• Show complementarity to available public funds, particularly EU Cohesion funds for 2028-2034 framework
• Coordinate with and potentially participate in national hubs of the European Energy Efficiency Financing Coalition

Eligible Financing Scheme Models

Proposals can employ various financing mechanisms, including but not limited to:

• Equity and debt, potentially combined with non-reimbursable grants (blending), particularly for low-income households or SMEs
• Guarantees, risk-sharing, insurance, or other de-risking instruments
• Energy services such as energy performance contracting and efficiency-as-a-service models
• White certificates schemes, energy efficiency auctions, and competitive bidding mechanisms
• On-bill, on-tax, and building-based financing where debt attaches to energy meter or building
• Schemes complementing existing technical assistance facilities, particularly integrated home renovation services
• Secondary market schemes including refinancing mechanisms, securitisation vehicles, and green bond schemes
• Local investment structures including citizen financing and crowdfunding
• Market-based instruments such as carbon finance and energy efficiency obligations
• Brokering, aggregation, or clearing houses facilitating demand and supply matching

Expected Impacts and Indicators

Proposals must demonstrate concrete results and establish clear causality links between activities, results, and impacts. Impacts should be quantified for project end and for five years post-project completion.

Qualitative Impacts

• Delivering financing schemes that are operational and ready to finance investments with credible access to financing sources and prospective investment pipelines
• Increasing investibility of energy efficiency projects for private financing sources
• Accelerating investments in energy efficiency

Quantitative Indicators

• Number of investment projects and volume of investments processed during project pilot testing phase and expected to be financed in next five years (with detailed justification based on market analysis)
• Number of investors and project developers using the financing scheme
• Investments in sustainable energy triggered by the project (cumulative, in million EUR)
• Average percentage of primary energy savings targeted by investment projects
• Primary energy savings triggered (GWh/year)
• Final energy savings triggered (GWh/year)
• Renewable energy generation triggered (GWh/year)
• Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (tCO2-eq/year)

Proposals should also provide indicators specific to their proposed activities. Not all listed indicators must be addressed; relevance to proposed activities determines inclusion.

Application Requirements and Process

Submission Process

1. 1Single-stage submission via EU Funding and Tenders Portal
2. 2Applications must be submitted online before 16 September 2026, 17:00 Brussels time
3. 3Part A (administrative forms) completed in Portal Submission System
4. 4Part B (technical description) downloaded from Portal, completed as PDF, and re-uploaded
5. 5Page 1 with IMPORTANT NOTICE must be deleted before uploading Part B
6. 6All supporting documents and annexes uploaded as part of application

Application Form Structure

Applications consist of two parts:

• Part A: Administrative information (generated by IT system based on Portal entries)
• Part B: Technical description (narrative document in PDF format)

Part B Content Requirements

• Project summary
• Relevance section covering background, objectives, compliance with LIFE objectives and call topic, concept and methodology
• Impact section addressing ambition, credibility, sustainability, exploitation, and catalytic potential
• Implementation section including work plan, work packages, stakeholder engagement, monitoring, communication and dissemination
• Resources section covering consortium setup, project management, green management, budget, and risk management
• Complementary funding information
• Ethics and security declarations

Formatting Requirements

• Page limit: Not specified in call document but standard LIFE OAG applications typically 30-50 pages
• Font: Arial minimum 10 points
• Page size: A4
• Margins: Minimum 15mm on all sides
• Language: Any official EU language (English recommended for efficiency)
• Supporting documents: Can be provided as annexes and do not count toward page limit

Mandatory Documents and Annexes

• Detailed budget table (LIFE standard template)
• Participant information forms for all consortium members
• Letters of support from stakeholders demonstrating commitment
• Complementary funding plan and declaration (if applicable)
• Co-financing declaration from managing authorities (if public funding involved)
• Any other documents specified in call conditions

Evaluation and Award Criteria

Proposals are evaluated based on award criteria specified in the call document. Evaluation considers relevance to call objectives, quality of proposed approach, credibility of impacts, implementation feasibility, and consortium capacity. The Commission will prioritise proposals demonstrating innovative approaches and addressing regions where integrated financing services remain underdeveloped.

Grant Agreement and Financial Terms

Type of Grant Agreement:LIFE Action Grant Budget-Based (LIFE-AG)

Funding Rate:95% of eligible costs

Eligible Cost Categories:Personnel costs, subcontracting, travel and subsistence, equipment, other goods and works and services, indirect costs

Project Duration:Typically 3-4 years (specific duration to be determined in grant agreement)

Pre-financing:Available subject to grant agreement terms and beneficiary financial capacity

Key Conditions and Restrictions

• Financing scheme must address energy efficiency as primary focus; proposals addressing only renewables or storage without efficiency are out of scope
• Scheme must be operational by project end with credible financing sources and investment pipeline
• Pilot testing of financing scheme during project is expected
• Applicants must demonstrate additionality and innovation compared to existing market practices
• Public funding involvement requires support from relevant managing authorities
• Coordination with European Energy Efficiency Financing Coalition national hubs is required where relevant
• Double funding from EU budget is strictly prohibited
• No project activities may commence before proposal submission unless explicitly authorised

Support and Resources

Applicants are encouraged to consult the following resources:

• EU Funding and Tenders Portal Online Manual for submission procedures
• EU Grants AGA - Annotated Model Grant Agreement for detailed provisions
• LIFE Multiannual Work Programme 2025-2027
• LIFE Regulation 2021/783
• EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509
• National Contact Points for country-specific guidance
• EU LIFE Info Days 2026 (28-30 April) for detailed topic presentations

Timeline and Key Dates

Strategic Alignment

This call aligns with multiple EU strategic priorities including the European Green Deal, REPowerEU Plan, Clean Industrial Deal, and Affordable Energy Action Plan. It supports the EU's objective to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 and reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports. The call also contributes to the European Energy Efficiency Financing Coalition's central objective of maximising private capital mobilisation for sustainable energy investments.

Important Considerations for Applicants

• Flexibility in consortium composition: Single applicants or single-country consortia are now eligible, providing greater flexibility than previous calls
• Market analysis critical: Detailed market analysis justifying investment projections for five years post-project is mandatory
• Business model sustainability: Proposals must demonstrate how financing schemes will operate sustainably with minimal reliance on public funding
• Stakeholder engagement essential: Clear demonstration of stakeholder support and involvement throughout project is required
• Replication planning: Strategy for scheme replication and rollout beyond initial implementation region must be clearly articulated
• Innovation requirement: Proposals must demonstrate additionality and innovation compared to current market practices in targeted sectors and regions

Footnotes

1. 1The European Energy Efficiency Financing Coalition is a central EU initiative established to unlock private investment in energy efficiency. More information available at European Energy Efficiency Financing Coalition
2. 2Commission Recommendation (EU) 2026/537 on unlocking private investment in energy efficiency provides policy guidance relevant to this call's objectives and should be consulted during proposal development.