Deadline: 16-Sep-2026
The European Commission has launched a funding opportunity under the LIFE programme to support local and regional authorities in developing integrated Local Heating and Cooling Plans (LHCPs). These plans aim to accelerate Europe’s transition to clean, secure, and energy-efficient energy systems by reducing fossil fuel dependence and improving decarbonisation at the local level.
The programme provides funding support of approximately EUR 6.5 million within a broader EUR 85.5 million call budget and focuses on governance strengthening, stakeholder engagement, and implementation-ready energy transition planning.
Overview of the Funding Opportunity
The initiative supports municipalities and regions across Europe in designing actionable Local Heating and Cooling Plans that align with EU climate and energy policies. It promotes structured, data-driven planning to transform heating and cooling systems, which currently represent a major share of energy consumption and emissions.
The goal is to support long-term energy system transformation through integrated planning, stakeholder collaboration, and investment-ready strategies.
Funding Details
- Total LIFE programme call budget: EUR 85,500,000
- Specific allocation for this opportunity: EUR 6,500,000
- Funding source: European Commission (LIFE Programme)
- Target beneficiaries: Local and regional authorities across Europe
- Purpose: Development and implementation of Local Heating and Cooling Plans (LHCPs)
Key Objectives
The programme aims to:
- Develop actionable and integrated Local Heating and Cooling Plans (LHCPs)
- Align local plans with EU and Member State energy frameworks
- Strengthen governance structures at local and regional levels
- Accelerate decarbonisation of heating and cooling systems
- Reduce reliance on fossil fuels
- Improve energy efficiency and energy security
- Promote renewable energy integration
Scope of the Initiative
The initiative focuses on transforming local energy systems by addressing:
- Building energy consumption
- District heating and cooling infrastructure
- Renewable energy integration
- Urban and regional energy planning
- Climate adaptation and resilience
Heating and cooling systems are a major contributor to energy use and emissions, making local-level planning essential for achieving EU climate targets.
Expected Outputs
Projects funded under this programme are expected to deliver:
- Fully developed Local Heating and Cooling Plans (LHCPs)
- Data-driven spatial and energy system analysis
- Decarbonisation pathways tailored to local conditions
- Implementation strategies for renewable energy systems
- Stakeholder-informed planning frameworks
- Financing strategies for project implementation
Stakeholder Engagement Requirements
Projects must involve participatory planning processes including:
- Local citizens
- Municipal and regional authorities
- Energy providers
- Private sector stakeholders
- Civil society organizations
Engagement should ensure transparency, inclusiveness, and practical implementation of energy transition strategies.
Capacity Building and Governance
The programme emphasizes strengthening institutional capacity by:
- Training policymakers and public officers
- Improving technical skills in energy planning and monitoring
- Building governance frameworks for long-term implementation
- Encouraging inter-municipal cooperation and coordination
- Supporting knowledge sharing and replication across regions
Financing and Investment Planning
Projects must identify realistic financing mechanisms, including:
- Public funding sources
- Private sector investments
- Blended finance approaches
- Affordability considerations for end users
- Protection of vulnerable households
This ensures that LHCPs are not only strategic but also financially implementable.
Monitoring and Evaluation Criteria
Projects will be assessed based on:
- Number of LHCPs developed and implemented
- Level of stakeholder engagement achieved
- Strength of governance frameworks established
- Expected and achieved energy savings
- Renewable energy generation capacity
- Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions
Why This Initiative Matters
This funding opportunity is important because it:
- Supports Europe’s climate neutrality goals
- Reduces dependence on fossil fuels
- Improves local energy security and resilience
- Promotes efficient use of energy in buildings and cities
- Strengthens local governance and planning capacity
- Encourages community and private sector participation in energy transition
Conclusion
The European Commission’s LHCP funding initiative under the LIFE programme supports a structured and collaborative approach to transforming local heating and cooling systems across Europe. By combining technical planning, stakeholder engagement, and investment strategies, the programme aims to deliver practical solutions that reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency, and strengthen long-term climate resilience at the local and regional level.
For more information, visit European Commission.