International Projects: MOE Citizen Energy of the German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU)

The "MOE Citizen Energy" program of the German Federal Environmental Foundation supports exemplary projects for the development and strengthening of citizen energy concepts in Central and Eastern Europe. Funding is provided to private initiatives, public institutions, municipalities, small businesses, start-ups, as well as farmers who implement decentralized renewable energy systems and aim to make civic engagement visible. The focus is on photovoltaic, bioenergy, and wind power projects that enable participatory local energy supply. Through continuous application opportunities, interested parties have the chance at any time to receive grant funding to expand local structures, establish renewable energies, and actively advance the EU climate goals.

Supported are concepts that employ innovative participation forms, further develop framework conditions, and strengthen knowledge transfer among relevant stakeholders. Three evaluation criteria are central: innovation features, the creation of improved legal and financial conditions, and the promotion of networking and communication structures. Projects from the fields of energy efficiency, renewable energies, climate protection, as well as social cohesion and democratic participation are addressed. The program promotes the exchange of competencies, trains multipliers, and emphasizes sustainable impact and regional value creation. By involving various stakeholder groups, the funding instrument contributes to establishing citizen energy as a key pillar of the energy transition in Central and Eastern Europe and to creating pioneering models for climate-friendly, decentralized energy supply.