Energy Communities 2025

The program “Energy Communities 2025” supports the further development of already active energy communities in Vienna in accordance with § 16a ElWOG 2010, § 79 EAG, and § 16b ElWOG 2010. Non-profit organizations, cooperatives, public institutions, companies, and private individuals can apply for up to 50% of the consulting costs, the acquisition of hardware and software, as well as communication and workshop expenses. Two funding priorities are central: social innovation through the recruitment of new participant groups, diversification of the member structure, and awareness-raising; and technological innovation through digitalization, automation, forecasting capability, and control of generation, consumption, and storage. Eligible measures are up to €10,000 net under priority 1 and up to €20,000 net under priority 2. A minimum number of participants of five metering points for communal generation facilities, ten for local, and twenty for regional energy communities or citizen energy communities is required.

The submission period runs from 20.01.2026 to 16.07.2026, 12:00 noon. Applications are evaluated upon receipt, provided the specific innovation criteria (two social or technological features each) and formal requirements are met. After positive review by Kommunalkredit Public Consulting GmbH and approval by the Presidium of the Climate and Energy Fund, funding contracts will be concluded. The project duration is 18 months, with an additional six-month period for final accounting and final report. Projects must ensure transparent information and pricing structures as well as document willingness to admit new participants. Payments are made as non-repayable grants upon submission of the complete final accounting including anonymized operational data. This funding instrument contributes to the flexibilization of electricity procurement, the inclusion of previously underrepresented groups, and the increase of efficiency and supply security.