Open Call: Gulbenkian Energy Communities Grant Program (Portugal)

The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and Coopérnico have launched a funding programme to support community-based renewable energy projects in Portugal. The initiative aims to strengthen citizen participation in the energy transition by supporting Renewable Energy Communities, local energy production, collective governance, and inclusion of vulnerable communities.

About the Community Renewable Energy Programme

The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, in partnership with Coopérnico – Sustainable Development Cooperative, has launched a funding opportunity to promote community-led renewable energy initiatives in Portugal.

The programme supports the development of Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) that enable citizens, local organisations, and municipalities to participate actively in renewable energy production and consumption.

The initiative aims to accelerate Portugal’s energy transition by encouraging decentralized energy solutions and strengthening local participation.

Purpose of the Programme

The programme was created to increase the number of Renewable Energy Communities in Portugal and address barriers that prevent local communities from developing renewable energy projects.

The initiative focuses on:

• Supporting citizen-led renewable energy solutions.
• Increasing local renewable energy production.
• Promoting shared energy consumption models.
• Strengthening community participation.
• Improving energy literacy among citizens.
• Supporting inclusive energy transition.

Key Focus Areas

Decentralized Energy Production and Local Consumption

The programme encourages projects that enable communities to produce and consume renewable energy locally.

Supported activities may include:

• Solar energy production.
• Community energy sharing systems.
• Renewable energy infrastructure development.
• Local energy management solutions.

These projects help communities reduce dependence on traditional energy systems while promoting sustainability.

Community Participation and Governance

The programme promotes participatory governance models where citizens actively contribute to decision-making.

Projects should encourage:

• Collective organization.
• Community ownership.
• Transparent decision-making.
• Local leadership participation.

The goal is to create energy communities managed through inclusive and democratic approaches.

Support for Vulnerable Communities

The initiative emphasizes the importance of including economically vulnerable citizens in renewable energy projects.

Supported projects should aim to:

• Improve access to renewable energy benefits.
• Reduce energy inequality.
• Include low-income households.
• Strengthen social inclusion.

Rural and Territorial Inclusion

The programme encourages participation from diverse regions of Portugal, including rural communities.

Projects should promote:

• Balanced territorial development.
• Participation from smaller communities.
• Local renewable energy solutions.
• Stronger community networks.

Strengthening Local Partnerships

The initiative encourages collaboration between:

• Civil society organizations.
• Municipalities.
• Community groups.
• Local stakeholders.

Partnerships help communities overcome technical, financial, and organizational challenges.

Challenges Addressed by the Programme

The initiative responds to several barriers limiting Renewable Energy Community development in Portugal.

These challenges include:

• High initial investment costs.
• Limited technical expertise.
• Low public awareness about energy systems.
• Lack of community coordination.
• Limited participation in renewable energy projects.

The programme provides financial and capacity-building support to help overcome these obstacles.

Funding Details

The competition will support:

10 community renewable energy projects

Each selected project may receive:

Up to €30,000 in funding

The selection process will take place in two phases.

Application and Selection Process

Phase One: Expression of Interest

During the first phase, applications will be evaluated based on:

• Project concept.
• Development stage.
• Promoting organisation’s profile.
• Potential community impact.

The 20 highest-rated applications will move to the next stage.

Phase Two: Online Development Programme

Shortlisted applicants will participate in a two-week online development programme.

The programme will help applicants improve their project plans and strengthen implementation strategies.

After completion, 10 finalist projects will be selected for financial support.

Eligible Applicants

Funding is available only to:

• Legally established non-profit organisations.
• Registered organisations operating locally in Portugal.

Applicants must demonstrate involvement in community-based development activities and the ability to implement renewable energy projects.

Eligibility Requirements for Projects

Applicants must meet the following conditions:

• Projects must be in the early stages of Renewable Energy Community development.
• No licensing request should be pending or approved by the Directorate-General for Energy and Geology.
• Projects must not have previously received public or private funding for Renewable Energy Community or Collective Self-Consumption initiatives.

Eligible Use of Funds

Funding may support costs related to:

• Administrative activities for establishing Renewable Energy Communities.
• Licensing procedures.
• Renewable energy equipment purchase.
• Installation of renewable energy systems.
• Self-consumption infrastructure.
• Local energy-sharing solutions.

Expected Project Outcomes

Supported projects are expected to contribute to:

• Increased renewable energy adoption.
• Stronger community participation.
• Greater energy independence.
• Improved sustainability awareness.
• More inclusive energy transition.
• Development of local renewable energy models.

Benefits of the Programme

Selected organisations will receive:

• Financial support.
• Project development assistance.
• Access to expertise.
• Capacity-building opportunities.
• Support for creating sustainable community energy solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Community Renewable Energy Programme?

It is a funding initiative by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and Coopérnico that supports community-based renewable energy projects in Portugal.

Who can apply for the programme?

Legally registered non-profit organisations operating locally in Portugal are eligible to apply.

How many projects will receive funding?

Ten projects will receive financial support after a two-stage selection process.

What is the maximum funding amount available?

Each selected project can receive up to €30,000.

What type of projects are supported?

The programme supports Renewable Energy Community projects focused on local renewable energy production, sharing, and citizen participation.

Can projects that already received funding apply?

No. Projects that have already received public or private funding for Renewable Energy Community or Collective Self-Consumption projects are not eligible.

Can municipalities apply directly?

The funding is available to non-profit organisations. However, projects are encouraged to involve municipalities and local stakeholders.

What costs can the funding cover?

Funding can support administrative costs, licensing, renewable energy equipment purchase, and installation for community energy systems.

Why are Renewable Energy Communities important?

Renewable Energy Communities allow citizens and local organisations to participate directly in clean energy production, improving sustainability and energy independence.

Conclusion

The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and Coopérnico Community Renewable Energy Programme provides an important opportunity for Portuguese communities to participate in the clean energy transition. By supporting citizen-led renewable energy projects, the initiative aims to create more inclusive, sustainable, and locally managed energy systems across Portugal.