Innovative microgrids for improved energy system integration and efficiency in urban contexts
Funding of pilot and demonstration projects for LVDC microgrids in European cities to increase energy efficiency and resilience in the urban energy system. Call opens on 09/02/2027, submission deadline 07/10/2027.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Development and demonstration of innovative, safe, and sustainable low-voltage direct current microgrids in urban contexts to enhance the integration of renewable energies, energy efficiency, and urban resilience, thereby contributing to the objectives of the European Green Deal and climate mitigation targets.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel expenses
- Material and travel costs for demonstrations
- Subcontractor costs
- Costs for digital twins and simulations
- Costs for workshops and dissemination
Non-eligible expenses
- Acquisition of real estate
- Retroactive costs
- Debt settlement
Eligible to apply
- Companies
- Public Institutions
- Non-profit Organizations
Funding requirements
- Consortium of at least three cities from different EU Member States or Associated Countries
- At least one participating city must be part of the Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities Mission Network
- Registered legal entities with financial and operational capacity
- Partnerships with research and industry actors for technology development
Documents required for application
- Standard Application Form (HE RIA, IA)
- Part B – Project Description
- Financing and Budget Plan
- Proof of City Participation (Letter of Support)
- Memorandum of Understanding with the Cities Mission Platform
Evaluation criteria
- Innovative content of the LVDC microgrid concept
- Contribution to energy efficiency and resilience of urban energy systems
- Relevance to the climate neutrality and smart cities mission
- Quality of the consortium composition and operational capacities
- Dissemination and exploitation strategy
Description
The call "Innovative Microgrids for Improved Integration and Efficiency of Urban Energy Systems" supports pilot and demonstration projects for low-voltage direct current (LVDC) microgrids in European cities. The objective is the development, validation, and scaling of secure, sustainable, and cost-efficient microgrids to increase the integration of renewable energies, minimize conversion losses, and enhance municipal resilience against grid interruptions. Funding is provided to municipal authorities from at least three different EU member states or associated countries, with one municipality required to be part of the Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities Mission network. Consortia may include companies, research institutions, and grid operators. The 36-month project is funded at 100%, with grants of up to €7 million per project. Budgets cover personnel expenses, demonstration and travel costs, subcontractors, as well as digital simulations. Real estate purchases, retroactive costs, and debt settlement are considered ineligible.
The call opens on 09/02/2027, with a submission deadline of 07/10/2027, 5:00 PM Brussels time. Applications must be submitted via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal and include a consortium-coordinated concept, comprising the Standard Application Form (HE RIA/IA), Part B – Project Description, financial plan, support letters from the participating cities, and the Memorandum of Understanding with the Cities Mission Platform. Evaluation criteria include the innovation level of the microgrid concept, contribution to energy efficiency and resilience, consortium composition, mission relevance, and exploitation strategy. Successful implementation will make a significant contribution to the climate protection goals of the European Green Deal and promote a forward-looking energy supply in European cities.