CEAH will launch a Technical Assistance (TA) programme to empower 120 citizen energy initiatives across the European Union (EU) with the hands-on support they need to succeed. Two competitive calls for proposals will remain open for at least one month, the first planned for the end of 2025 and the second in 2026.
How much support is available?
Selected beneficiaries will receive assistance through one of three dedicated pathways, each designed to meet projects at their specific stage of development:
- Pilot beneficiaries (advanced-stage projects) will receive intensive support to launch or implement well-developed, high-potential projects.
- Learner beneficiaries (mid-stage projects) will benefit from moderate support to refine project ideas and assess feasibility.
- Follower beneficiaries (early-stage projects) will receive light-touch support for early-stage project design and conceptualisation.
Each beneficiary will be matched with the most suitable expert(s) based on their needs, location, and project focus. Support will be provided starting in Spring 2026 into early 2027 and will include at least one in-person visit to help deepen understanding and build trust with local stakeholders.
What type of support is available?
The TA programme offers four core types of support to address the diverse needs of citizen energy initiatives community energy citizens:
- Capacity-building support: To help beneficiaries design, launch, and professionalise citizen energy projects by offering guidance on energy-sharing, consumer protection, support schemes, and long-term skills development.
- Investment and financial support: to provide tailored financial planning, early-stage investment guidance, fundraising strategies, and training to boost financial literacy and confidence.
- Advisory support: to help with technical and technology design, regulatory frameworks, digital solutions, and communication strategies to ensure well-rounded project development.
- Stakeholder engagement support: To support inclusive community involvement through citizen dialogues, behavioural insights, and targeted engagement of vulnerable or underrepresented groups.
All beneficiaries have a chance to participate in a twinning programme, which fosters peer-to-peer learning by linking projects across countries and stages of development. Regular exchange, joint activities, and expert-facilitated discussions will provide beneficiaries with valuable insights from their peers while expanding their European networks.