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

LIFE-2026 is a LIFE Clean Energy Transition call funding capacity building for Distribution System Operators to develop tailor-made Digitalisation Roadmaps, embed them into Distribution Network Development Plans, and deliver training, technical assistance and targeted pilots to accelerate deployment of available digital and AI-enabled solutions. The topic has an indicative budget of €10,000,000, a recommended maximum EU contribution per proposal of around €2,000,000, and funds Other Action Grants at a 95% reimbursement rate. Eligible proposals must be submitted by consortia of at least three independent beneficiaries from three different eligible countries and quantify impacts at project end and five years after completion. Proposals must be submitted via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal by 16 September 2026, 17:00 Brussels time.

Programme and Call

LIFE Clean Energy Transition — LIFE-2026-CET-DIGITAL

What it funds:Capacity building and technical assistance to accelerate fit-for-purpose digitalisation of electricity Distribution System Operators (DSOs). Activities supported include development of tailor-made Digitalisation Roadmaps and their embedding into Distribution Network Development Plans (DNDPs), staff training and upskilling, data exchange and interoperability, network observability, safe deployment and governance of AI, peer exchange, technical assistance for investment planning, and targeted pilots (technology development is out of scope).

Who can apply:Consortia of beneficiaries: proposals must be submitted by at least 3 independent applicants (beneficiaries) from 3 different eligible countries. Suitable applicants include DSOs, DSO associations, public authorities, research/skills providers, NGOs and service providers acting together to deliver capacity building and roadmap embedding.

1. 1Scope: digitalisation roadmaps tailored to DSO size and readiness, embedding in DNDPs, staff capacity building, interoperability, grid observability, AI governance and cybersecurity
2. 2Expected outputs: number of roadmaps, trainings and DSOs involved, investments triggered and quantified energy/climate indicators
3. 3Consortium: must demonstrate DSO engagement and executive-level support

Money and deadlines

Indicative topic budget:€10,000,000 for the LIFE-2026-CET DIGITAL topic. The Commission considers that proposals requesting an EU contribution of up to €2 million would be appropriate, though other amounts may be considered. Funding rate: Other Action Grants (OAGs) — 95%.

Key dates:Opening: 21 April 2026. Submission deadline: 16 September 2026, 17:00 Brussels time. Apply via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal Apply. ¹

Evaluation and practical notes

Proposals are OAG LIFE Project Grants (LIFE-PJG) single-stage; follow call documentation for admissibility, eligibility, and page limits. Proposals should quantify results at project end and for 5 years after (energy savings, renewable generation, GHG reductions, investments triggered). Demonstrate DSO commitments (consortium membership or tailored executive letters).

Footnotes

1. 1Call documentation, topic fiche and templates are available on the Funding & Tenders Portal: LIFE-2026 topic page Topic page.

Call and Topic

Supporting digitalisation of Distribution System Operators for a smart energy transition (Smart Grid Academy) — LIFE-2026-CET-DIGITAL

Programme:LIFE Clean Energy Transition (LIFE-2026-CET). Type of action: LIFE Project Grants — LIFE Action Grant Budget-Based [LIFE-AG]. Topic identifier: LIFE-2026. Single-stage call. Opening date: 21 April 2026. Deadline: 16 September 2026, 17:00 Brussels time. Indicative topic budget within the 2026 CET call: €10,000,000 for the DIGITAL topic. The granting instrument is an Other Action Grant (OAG) — LIFE Project Grant, maximum recommended project EU contribution around €2,000,000 (Commission indicates that up to €2 million would be appropriate, without precluding other amounts). Funding rate: 95% (Other Action Grants OAGs). Submission and management through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. Single-stage submission; proposals must be submitted using the standard LIFE application templates and Annexes available in the Submission System.

Deadline:16 September 2026 17:00 Brussels time.

Scope and Objectives

Objective:build capacity and institutional capabilities of Distribution System Operators (DSOs), in particular small/local DSOs, to develop and implement fit-for-purpose digitalisation covering data exchange and interoperability, grid observability and the safe deployment and operation of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Proposals should support DSO staff capacity building, develop tailor-made Digitalisation Roadmaps and embed them in Distribution Network Development Plans (DNDPs) where possible. Actions should focus on deployment and adoption of available digital solutions (not R&D of new technologies). Proposals must demonstrate clear, quantified impacts at project end and five years after project end using topic indicators and LIFE CET common indicators. Proposals must include technical assistance, trainings, pilot testing for feasibility/value of solutions, networking, pairing, and activities supporting a substantial number of DSOs including follower/associated DSOs for transfer of knowledge.

Key activities in scope:Data architectures, governance and interoperability (integration of smart meters, GIS, SCADA, sensors; information models and standards); network observability and monitoring (IoT sensors, digital twins, ADMS/EMS integration for DERs, EVs and flexibility); deployment and safe operation of AI (forecasting, congestion management, cybersecurity, AI testing/validation and regulatory/compliance support); capacity building (trainings, workshops, pairing, peer exchange); development of Digitalisation Roadmaps tailored to DSO size, grid typology and readiness level and embedding roadmaps into DNDPs; support to investment planning and triggering digitalisation investments; knowledge sharing and creation of academies/learning structures.

Expected Impacts and Indicators

Qualitative impacts expected:enhanced operational efficiency, resilience and flexibility of distribution networks; strengthened institutional and human capacity of DSOs (notably small/local DSOs); improved integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) and demand-side measures and active consumer participation. Quantitative impacts must be reported for end of project and five years after project end using the topic-specific and LIFE CET common indicators.

1. 1Number of Digitalisation Roadmaps developed
2. 2Number of Digitalisation Roadmaps embedded in DNDPs (during or after project, depending on DSO DNDP timing)
3. 3Number of DSOs directly involved in trainings, workshops, etc.
4. 4Number of follower/associated DSOs indirectly involved in capacity building
5. 5Number of training activities and personnel involved
6. 6Investments in digitalisation triggered by project-developed investment plans (cumulative, in million EUR)
7. 7Common LIFE CET indicators (Primary energy savings GWh/year; Final energy savings GWh/year; Renewable energy generation GWh/year; Reduction of GHG tCO2-eq/year; Investments in sustainable energy triggered by project, cumulative EUR million)

Eligibility and Consortium Requirements

Mandatory eligibility:Proposals must be submitted by at least 3 independent beneficiaries from 3 different eligible countries (beneficiaries not affiliated entities). Eligible countries are those listed in section 6 of the Call document (standard LIFE eligible countries: EU Member States and associated countries as specified in call text). Applicants must demonstrate involvement and commitment of targeted DSOs (participation in consortium or tailored executive-level letters of support). Cooperation of small DSOs in territorial proximity is encouraged. Participation of European/national/regional DSO associations is encouraged. Proposals should explain choice and justification of DSOs and territories addressed and show how follower/associated DSOs will be engaged for transfer of knowledge.

Consortium requirement:Consortium required: At least three independent beneficiaries from three different eligible countries. Beneficiaries may include DSOs, utilities, training/academic organisations, public authorities, industry associations, non-profit organisations, technical assistance providers and private sector service providers; technological vendors can be partners but must not be the sole implementers. Affiliated entities and associated partners may participate as defined in the LIFE rules.

Who can apply (Eligible Applicant Types)

Eligible applicant types:small/local DSOs, large DSOs, utilities, SMEs, large enterprises (technology providers as partners), universities, research institutes, training providers, nonprofit organisations, public authorities, professional associations (e.g. DSO associations), energy agencies and other stakeholders able to deliver capacity-building and technical assistance. The call encourages participation of DSOs in consortium or via strong letters of support and involvement of follower DSOs.

Funding and Financial Rules

Funding type:Other Action Grants (OAGs) — LIFE Project Grants, LIFE Action Grant Budget-Based (LIFE-AG). Funding rate: 95% of eligible costs. Grant form: budget-based. The Commission considers that contributions up to €2 million would be appropriate for this topic, but other amounts may be submitted. Eligible cost categories follow standard LIFE rules: personnel, subcontracting, purchase costs (travel & subsistence, equipment, other goods/works/services), financial support to third parties (if allowed by call), land purchase (if allowed), indirect costs via flat-rate. The call documents and detailed budget templates (Detailed budget table, Application Form Part A and B, annex templates) available in the Portal must be used. LIFE operating rules on financial and operational capacity, exclusion, audits, certificates and reporting apply as per the Model Grant Agreement. Prefinancing, interim and final payment schedules follow the call Data Sheet. Prefinancing guarantee rules, certificates on financial statements (CFS) thresholds and audit obligations are in the MGA and call documents.

Funding amount guidance:Indicative top-down guidance: Commission suggests that proposals requesting up to €2 million EU contribution would be adequate for the topic. Topic budget in CET call: €10,000,000. Funding rate: 95% of eligible costs.

Project Stage and Technology Focus

Project stage:implementation, capacity-building, deployment and demonstration of uptake of existing, commercially-available digital and AI-enabled solutions. Development or demonstration of new technologies is explicitly out of scope. Proposals must focus on open/available technologies and solutions (data architectures, SCADA/ADMS/EMS, digital twins, IoT sensors, interoperability, data governance, standards, AI models for forecasting, congestion management, cybersecurity).

Target Sector and Thematic Focus

Target sector:energy sector — electricity distribution, Distribution System Operators and distribution network planning and operation, digitalisation, grid observability, integration of DERs, demand-side flexibility, AI in distribution management. The topic contributes to clean energy transition, digitalisation of the energy system and implementation of Electricity Market Design and Strategic Roadmap for Digitalisation/AI in Energy.

Geographic and Beneficiary Scope

Beneficiary scope:organisations established in eligible countries specified in section 6 of the Call Document (standard LIFE eligible list: EU Member States and associated countries). The call requires applicants from three different eligible countries. Targeted activities should be regional/national/cross-border as justified. Cooperation of small DSOs in territorial proximity is encouraged, and transfer to follower DSOs across countries is expected.

Application and Evaluation Process

Application type:open single-stage call. Submission via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal — use the LIFE Project Grants [LIFE-PJG] action type and the LIFE Action Grant Budget-Based [LIFE-AG] model in the Submission System. Part A (administrative forms) is completed in the Portal screens; Part B (technical description) must be uploaded as PDF using the LIFE template available in the Submission System. Additional annexes: Detailed budget table, Participant Information, Cofinancing declarations if applicable, Letters of support, Maps, Description of sites etc. Evaluation: standard LIFE evaluation criteria (as in Call document): relevance, impact, quality of project design and implementation, and cost-effectiveness; scoring and thresholds described in section 9 of the Call Document. Indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreement available in call documents and online manual. Evaluation managed by CINEA (or the relevant Executive Agency) per Call Document.

Application templates and documents:Mandatory templates and guidance: Standard LIFE application forms (Part A generated in Portal and Part B PDF template in Submission System); Detailed budget table (LIFE excel); Participant information template; Complementary funding plan/declaration where required; LIFE Model Grant Agreement (LIFE MGA); LIFE Call Document (LIFE-2026-CET Call fiche and topic fiche); Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual; EU Grants AGA — Annotated Model Grant Agreement. All documents available via the Funding & Tenders Portal Reference Documents.

Evaluation, Milestones and Reporting

Evaluation:proposals will be evaluated against the award criteria and thresholds in the Call Document (relevance, quality, impact, implementation and budget). Applicants must provide a work plan with work packages, tasks, milestones and deliverables. Mandatory deliverables include project web page, exploitation/After-LIFE plan, and KPI reporting in the LIFE KPI webtool (month 9 and project end for CET topics). Reporting: continuous reporting in the Portal Continuous Reporting tool plus periodic reports (technical and financial) to request payments. Final reporting and KPI reporting to include impacts quantified for project end and five years after project end. Certificates on financial statements (CFS) may be required depending on thresholds (see call Data Sheet and MGA). Audit, checks and investigations: grant will be subject to grant checks, reviews, audits and investigations by the granting authority, European Commission services and OLAF/ECA/EPPO as applicable; beneficiaries must keep records for the period stated in Data Sheet and cooperate with all audits.

Risks, Compliance and Ethics

Key risks to address in the proposal:insufficient DSO engagement or executive-level buy-in; lack of follow-up funding for investment plans; limited transferability or language/barrier issues across participating countries; cybersecurity and data privacy challenges for data exchange; procurement and market barriers for standard solutions; mismatch between proposed measures and DSO regulatory obligations. Ethics and compliance: proposals must comply with EU values and ethics rules; any data protection issues must be addressed according to GDPR/Regulation 2018/1725 where applicable; cybersecurity and classified information rules apply if relevant. Conflict of interest, transparency and open competition rules for public procurement must be observed for subcontracting and purchases.

Templates and Application Structure Guidance

How the application forms look and what to include:use the LIFE Standard Application form templates found in the Submission System and the Annex templates (Detailed budget table, Participant Information, Complementary Funding Plan/Declaration where applicable). Part A (administrative forms) is filled online. Part B (technical description) must follow the LIFE template structure: project summary; 1 Relevance (background, objectives, compliance with LIFE & call topic, concept and methodology, complementarity and synergies); 2 Impact (ambition, credibility, sustainability, exploitation, replication/upscaling); 3 Implementation (work plan — work packages, tasks, deliverables, milestones, timetable; stakeholder engagement; impact monitoring; communication & dissemination); 4 Resources (consortium setup, management, green management, budget, risk management); 5 Other (ethics, security); 6 Declarations. Annexes must include the Detailed Budget Table (for LIFE-AG), Participant Information per beneficiary, Letters of support (DSOs, regulators), and any required complementary funding declarations. Where the call allows financial support to third parties, include strict selection criteria in Annex 1 and in Part B.

1. 1Part A: Administrative forms — completed in the Portal (participants, budget summary, declarations).
2. 2Part B: Technical description — PDF upload using the LIFE Part B template (project summary, relevance, impact, implementation, resources, risks, ethics).
3. 3Annex 1: Detailed description of action tasks and DSOs to be targeted (Digitalisation Roadmaps, pilots, trainings, TA).
4. 4Annex 2: Detailed budget table (LIFE template) — personnel, subcontracting, purchases, other costs and indirect costs (flat-rate), and justification.
5. 5Participant Information annex: organisation description and key staff per beneficiary (no page limit for annex).
6. 6Letters of support and commitment from targeted DSOs and authorities (executive-level) and statement of willingness to embed Roadmaps in DNDPs where possible.
7. 7Complementary funding plan and declaration if complementary public funding is part of implementation.
8. 8KPI reporting plan and after-LIFE exploitation/replication plan (mandatory deliverables).

Indicators, Monitoring & After-LIFE

Monitoring:proposals must set quantitative targets for the topic indicators (project end and 5 years after), define the methods for calculating energy/GHG/investment indicators and include a KPI monitoring plan. After-LIFE/Exploitation: include a sustainability and exploitation plan describing how Digitalisation Roadmaps will be sustained and upscaled, how investments will be financed, how trained staff and academy results will be maintained and how results will be replicated/upscaled nationally/cross-border.

Success Rates and Competition

Success rates:not published for the specific topic. Selection will be competitive against the CET call budget (topic allocation €10 million). Proposers should assume competitive selection and prepare high-quality, evidence-based applications with clear DSO engagement and quantified impacts.

Successive Application Stages and Timeline

Application stages:single-stage submission (one formal full proposal). Number of stages: 1 (single-stage). Indicative evaluation timeline: as described in the Call document (see Section 5c of topic page). After selection, the Grant Agreement signature and first prefinancing payment follow the LIFE MGA procedures. Continuous reporting and KPI uploads are required within the first 9 months and at project end.

Co-funding and Revenues

Co-funding:the funding rate is 95% for OAGs. Co-funding requirement: beneficiaries must demonstrate financial and operational capacity and complementary funding where relevant (Complementary funding declarations if required in some topics). The Call and LIFE Major Grant Agreement set rules on complementary funding and double funding (strict prohibition of double funding from the EU budget for the same costs). Revenues generated by the project (if applicable) must be declared and may affect the final grant amount under the no-profit rule if the call/MGA requires it.

Risk and Compliance Checklist for Applicants

1. 1Confirm at least 3 independent beneficiaries from 3 eligible countries are in the consortium.
2. 2Secure executive-level letters of support from targeted DSOs and, where possible, include DSO participants in the consortium.
3. 3Define Digitalisation Roadmap methodology and show how each roadmap will be embedded in DNDPs or explain timing constraints.
4. 4Quantify impacts for end of project and 5 years after using the listed topic and LIFE CET common indicators; detail calculation methods and baselines.
5. 5Include training/capacity building plan, pilot testing approach, replication/upscaling strategy and sustainability/After-LIFE plan.
6. 6Provide detailed budget using the LIFE Detailed Budget Table, justify personnel effort, subcontracting and purchases, and indicate whether CFS certificates will be required.
7. 7Address data governance, cybersecurity, GDPR compliance and ethical issues (AI governance and testing).
8. 8Describe procurement, subcontracting rules and ensure conflict of interest avoidance and best value for money procedures.
9. 9Plan for KPI reporting in the LIFE KPI web tool and ensure capacity to report continuous reporting deliverables.
10. 10Include dissemination, communication and visibility plan complying with EU emblem and disclaimer rules.

Templates and Key Documents (where to find them)

Primary documents and templates (available on the Funding & Tenders Portal Reference Documents and the Call Topic page): Call document (LIFE-2026-CET Call fiche and topic fiche), Application form templates (LIFE SAP & OAG standard form and Part B templates), Detailed Budget Table (LIFE), Participant information template, Complementary funding plan & declaration (if applicable), Model Grant Agreement (LIFE MGA), LIFE Multiannual Work Programme 2025-2027, EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509, Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual and FAQs. Use the Submission System to access the specific templates for this call and topic and to submit.

What this opportunity is about — General summary and explanation

This LIFE Clean Energy Transition topic supports capacity building and digitalisation roll-out for Distribution System Operators to make distribution grids smarter, more observable and capable of integrating DERs and demand-side flexibility. The call funds coordination and support activities: training DSOs, producing tailor-made Digitalisation Roadmaps embedded in DNDPs where possible, providing technical assistance and pilot testing of commercially available digital solutions (data architectures, interoperability, grid observability, ADMS/EMS, AI deployment and cybersecurity), and promoting replication and upscaling across countries and follower DSOs. The grant is a LIFE Project Grant (budget-based), reimbursing eligible costs at a 95% funding rate with recommended project-level EU contributions typically around €2 million. The consortium must include at least three beneficiaries from three eligible countries; applicants should document strong DSO involvement and deliver quantified impacts for project end and five years afterwards. Applications are submitted in a single-stage via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal using specified LIFE templates; proposals are evaluated against LIFE award criteria. The topic is deployment-oriented and does not fund development of new technologies; it prioritises adoption, interoperability, AI governance and strengthening institutional capacity for the clean energy transition.

Footnotes

1. 1Call documentation, templates and Model Grant Agreements are available on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal (topic page LIFE-2026) and the Portal Reference Documents section.

Opportunity Overview

This is a call for proposals under the LIFE Clean Energy Transition sub-programme, specifically targeting the digitalisation of Distribution System Operators (DSOs) to support the EU's clean energy transition. The call aims to build capacity within DSOs, particularly small and medium-sized operators, to modernise and digitalise their activities through the development of tailored Digitalisation Roadmaps and their integration into Distribution Network Development Plans (DNDPs).

Call Identification and Timeline

Call Reference:LIFE-2026

Opening Date:21 April 2026

Submission Deadline:16 September 2026 at 17:00 Brussels time

Submission Model:Single-stage submission

Funding Information

Total Budget Available:€10,000,000

Funding Rate:95% for Other Action Grants (OAGs)

Indicative Grant Size:The Commission considers that proposals requesting up to €2 million would allow specific objectives to be addressed appropriately. However, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts.

Type of Action:LIFE Project Grants (LIFE-PJG) under the LIFE Action Grant Budget-Based (LIFE-AG) model

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible Applicants

Proposals must be submitted by at least 3 applicants (beneficiaries; not affiliated entities) from 3 different eligible countries. Eligible countries include all EU Member States and associated countries to the LIFE Programme. Eligible applicants may include public authorities, private entities, research organisations, non-profit organisations, and other legal entities established in eligible countries.

Consortium Requirements

• Minimum 3 beneficiaries from 3 different eligible countries
• Affiliated entities and associated partners may participate but do not count towards the minimum requirement
• Coordinator must be from an eligible country
• Clear division of roles and responsibilities required
• Each participant must have adequate resources and valid role in the project

Project Scope and Objectives

Overall Objective

The topic aims to support capacity building for the roll-out of digital technologies and processes in Distribution System Operators, covering data management systems, network observability, and the safe deployment and operation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies. Proposals should focus on available technologies and solutions; development and demonstration of new technologies are not in scope.

Key Focus Areas

• Data Exchange and Interoperability: Enable DSOs to exchange data with other electricity market stakeholders such as TSOs, consumers, and distributed energy producers
• Grid Observability: Increase observability of distribution networks through real-time monitoring, IoT sensors, digital twins, and integration of distributed energy resources
• Artificial Intelligence: Support deployment of AI solutions in distribution management systems for grid optimisation, demand prediction, and enhanced security
• Other digitalisation areas: Grid planning, procurement, permitting, energy efficiency services, and customer service

Required Activities

• Develop tailor-made Digitalisation Roadmaps for targeted DSOs based on their size, grid typology, and digital readiness level
• Support embedding of Roadmaps into Distribution Network Development Plans (DNDPs)
• Describe current state of digitalisation of targeted DSOs and identify advancement opportunities
• Strengthen capacity of DSO staff through training and knowledge transfer
• Define capacity building activities and technical assistance services including targeted pilot projects
• Reach a large number of DSOs through pooled resources and ambitious training programmes
• Promote collaboration and knowledge sharing among DSOs and relevant stakeholders
• Support substantial number of DSOs with follower/associated DSOs for knowledge transfer

Expected Impacts and Indicators

Qualitative Impacts

• Enhanced operational efficiency, resilience and flexibility of distribution networks through accelerated and fit-for-purpose digitalisation of DSOs
• Strengthened institutional and human capacity of DSOs, particularly small/local DSOs, to plan, implement and govern digital transformation in line with EU energy and digital policy frameworks
• Improved integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) and demand-side measures with participation of active consumers

Quantitative Indicators (Topic-Specific)

• Number of Digitalisation Roadmaps developed
• Number of Digitalisation Roadmaps embedded in DNDPs
• Number of DSOs directly involved in trainings, workshops, etc.
• Number of follower/associated DSOs indirectly involved in capacity building activities
• Number of training activities and personnel involved in them
• Investments in digitalisation triggered by implementation of investment plans (cumulative, in million EUR)

Common LIFE Clean Energy Transition Indicators

• Primary energy savings triggered by the project (GWh/year)
• Final energy savings triggered by the project (GWh/year)
• Renewable energy generation triggered by the project (GWh/year)
• Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (tCO2-eq/year)
• Investments in sustainable energy triggered by the project (cumulative, in million EUR)

Results and impacts should be quantified for the end of the project and for 5 years after project completion. Proposals are not expected to address all listed impacts and indicators but should provide indicators specific to their proposed activities.

Application Requirements and Conditions

Mandatory Documents

• Application Form Part A (administrative information) - completed in Portal Submission System
• Application Form Part B (technical description) - uploaded as PDF with annexes
• Detailed budget table
• Participant information forms
• Letters of support from targeted DSOs demonstrating involvement and commitment
• Co-financing declaration (if applicable)
• Proof of legal entity validation and financial capacity

Proposal Page Limits

Part B (technical description) is limited to a maximum number of pages as specified in the call document. Supporting documents can be provided as annexes and do not count towards the page limit. Minimum font size is Arial 10 points, page size A4, with margins of at least 15 mm on all sides.

Key Conditions

• Proposals must clearly identify targeted DSOs and demonstrate their involvement and commitment through consortium participation or executive-level letters of support
• Proposals should explain content of support and how consortium will deliver support on the ground
• Cooperation of small DSOs operating in territorial proximity is encouraged
• Participation of European, national, or regional DSO associations is encouraged
• Proposals should propose approaches that can be upscaled at national or cross-border level
• Synergies with Large-Scale Partnership for Digitalisation of Energy System in Pact for Skills (Renewables) are encouraged
• Proposals should take into account factors of success and review existing academies including Net-Zero Industry Academies

Evaluation and Award Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on award criteria specified in the call document. Evaluation covers relevance to the call topic, quality of the proposed approach, credibility of impacts, implementation feasibility, and sustainability of results. The evaluation process follows a single-stage submission model with evaluation and award procedures as described in the call document sections 8 and 9.

Grant Agreement and Financial Arrangements

Form of Grant:Budget-based action grant with 95% funding rate

Eligible Costs:Personnel costs, subcontracting, travel and subsistence, equipment, other goods/works/services, and indirect costs as specified in the LIFE Model Grant Agreement

Project Duration:To be specified in the proposal; typical LIFE projects range from 3 to 5 years

Prefinancing:Prefinancing guarantees may be required as specified in the Model Grant Agreement

Strategic Context and Policy Alignment

This call supports implementation of key EU legislation and strategic initiatives including the Electricity Market Design framework, the Digitalisation of Energy Action Plan, the Strategic Roadmap for Digitalisation and AI in the Energy Sector, the Renewable Energy Directive (EU 2023/241), the Energy Efficiency Directive (EU 2023/179), and the Union of Skills communication. The initiative aligns with the EU's long-term objective of climate neutrality by 2050 and supports the clean energy transition through enhanced DSO capacity and digital infrastructure.

Support and Guidance Resources

Applicants should consult the following resources:the Call document (LIFE-2026-CET call fiche), the LIFE Model Grant Agreement (MGA), the EU Grants Annotated Grant Agreement (AGA), the Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual, and guidance from National Contact Points (NCPs). The LIFE database and CORDIS website provide information on previously funded projects that may serve as reference for proposal development.

Key Considerations for Applicants

• Ensure clear demonstration of DSO involvement and commitment through letters of support or consortium participation
• Develop realistic and credible impact projections based on solid analysis of current situation and clear causality links between activities and impacts
• Plan for sustainability of results beyond project completion through institutionalised structures and lasting governance frameworks
• Include substantial capacity building and training components tailored to specific needs and national languages
• Demonstrate how proposed approach can be upscaled and replicated across different DSO contexts
• Ensure complementarity with existing initiatives and funding programmes
• Plan for knowledge transfer to follower DSOs and broader dissemination of results
• Address both technical and organisational dimensions of digitalisation
• Include monitoring and evaluation strategy with specific indicators aligned with call requirements

Contact and Submission Information

Proposals must be submitted through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal (Funding & Tenders Portal) before the deadline of 16 September 2026 at 17:00 Brussels time. Applicants should register in the Portal, create a new proposal, and follow the submission wizard. For technical assistance with the Portal, contact the IT Helpdesk. For substantive questions about the call, contact the relevant National Contact Point (NCP) in your country. The call is managed by the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA).

Footnotes

1. 1Distribution Network Development Plans (DNDPs) are strategic documents mandated by EU Directive 2019/944 to be developed, published, and updated biennially by European DSOs. These plans outline the DSO's strategy for network development and modernisation.