Call for Applications: Swedish Energy Agency Accelerator for Climate-Neutral Cities

The Swedish Energy Agency invites collaborative, city-led projects to accelerate the transition toward climate-neutral cities by 2030 while ensuring social, ecological, and economic sustainability. Grants support projects that involve at least two cities and research partners, integrate the Climate Contract 2030 commitments, and demonstrate scalability beyond individual municipalities. Funding ranges from SEK 1.5 million to 2.5 million per project, with a total budget of approximately SEK 20 million.

Programme Overview

The Climate-Neutral Cities Grant aims to foster city-led initiatives that accelerate Sweden’s transition to climate-neutral urban environments. Projects are expected to address multiple dimensions of sustainability—social, ecological, and economic—while promoting fair, inclusive, and just transitions.

Key objectives include:

• Strengthening governance and strategic climate management

• Conducting climate analyses and calculations to inform policies

• Facilitating financing and investment in climate transitions

• Promoting social sustainability and citizen participation

• Utilizing digital tools to enable climate action

• Leveraging procurement and complementary measures for climate goals

• Coordinating efforts across cities to reinforce Climate Contract 2030 commitments

Funding Details

• Total Available Funding: Approximately SEK 20 million

• Grant per Project: SEK 1.5–2.5 million

• Maximum Support Level: 50% of total project cost

• Project Duration: Earliest start 1 August 2026; completion by 31 December 2027

• Type of Support: Grant funding for implementation, coordination, and capacity building

Who is Eligible?

Eligible project consortia must include:

• At least two cities, with one city having signed a Climate Contract 2030 or letter of intent

• Minimum of one research actor (university, college, or research institute)

• Additional partners from public sector, business sector, and civil society organizations

Projects should demonstrate relevance across multiple Swedish cities, and international applicability is preferred.

Key Requirements for Cities:

• Integration of Climate Contract 2030 commitments into local plans

• Active engagement with Viable Cities and other collaborative partners

• Allocation of part of the project budget to coordination and participation activities

Focus Areas

Projects should contribute to:

• Accelerated climate-neutral transitions beyond individual municipalities

• Implementation of joint commitments from Climate Contract 2030, including governance, financing, social sustainability, and citizen engagement

• Development of scalable and innovative climate solutions

• Enhancing opportunities for companies to strengthen international competitiveness through climate action

How to Apply

1. Form a Project Consortium: Include at least two cities and one research partner; additional partners encouraged

2. Integrate Climate Contract Commitments: Ensure participating cities have incorporated commitments into local strategies

3. Prepare Project Proposal: Include objectives, methodology, work plan, budget, scalability, and impact assessment

4. Submit Application: Follow Swedish Energy Agency submission guidelines for Viable Cities projects

5. Collaborate: Budget for active participation in joint Viable Cities initiatives and coordination efforts

Tips for Applicants

• Highlight multi-city relevance and potential for scaling solutions nationally or internationally

• Clearly define measurable outcomes related to climate neutrality, governance, and social impact

• Demonstrate integration of social, ecological, and economic dimensions

• Ensure clear coordination mechanisms among cities, research actors, and other partners

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can lead a project?
At least one participating city that has signed a Climate Contract 2030 or letter of intent.

2. What is the minimum project consortium composition?
Two cities and at least one research actor. Additional partners from public, private, and civil sectors are encouraged.

3. How much funding is available per project?
Between SEK 1.5 million and SEK 2.5 million, with a maximum of 50% of the total project cost.

4. What is the expected project duration?
Projects can start from 1 August 2026 and must conclude by 31 December 2027.

5. Are international partners eligible?
Yes, projects with international relevance are preferred, though at least two Swedish cities must be involved.

6. How should projects demonstrate scalability?
Projects should outline how their solutions can be applied beyond individual municipalities to strengthen Climate Contract 2030 commitments nationally and internationally.

7. Is participation in Viable Cities activities mandatory?
Yes, project consortia must actively engage in Viable Cities coordination, knowledge sharing, and joint commitment activities, with part of the budget allocated to these efforts.

Conclusion

The Swedish Energy Agency Climate-Neutral Cities Grant offers an opportunity for innovative, city-led collaborations to accelerate Sweden’s journey to climate neutrality by 2030. By integrating governance, climate analysis, citizen engagement, and sustainable practices, participating cities can create scalable solutions that promote a just transition while reinforcing national and international climate objectives.