Deadline Date: September 16, 2026
The European Commission has launched its applications to support the digitalisation of electricity Distribution System Operators (DSOs), improve smart grids, renewable energy integration, energy efficiency, AI deployment and clean energy transition capacity.
The programme focuses on helping DSOs, particularly small and local DSOs, develop tailored Digitalisation Roadmaps that can be embedded fully or partially into Distribution Network Development Plans. The initiative aims to improve operational efficiency and resilience while supporting the EU’s climate neutrality objectives by 2050. Proposals are expected to build the in-house skills, knowledge, and strategic capabilities required for digital transformation across technical, operational, organisational, economic, and regulatory areas.
Projects should support data exchange and interoperability between DSOs, Transmission System Operators, consumers, and distributed energy producers. Activities may include integrating information from smart meters, GIS systems, SCADA systems, and sensors into unified operational systems, improving data governance and interoperability, and enabling real-time data exchange across energy stakeholders.
Applicants are expected to include capacity-building measures such as training activities, workshops, networking, peer exchanges, technical assistance services, and pilot projects to test the feasibility and value of digital solutions. The programme encourages cooperation among DSOs, technology providers, regulators, customers, and energy communities. Proposals should also support knowledge transfer to follower or associated DSOs and demonstrate approaches that can be scaled nationally or across borders.
The European Commission encourages proposals that target a large number of DSOs, especially those operating in territorial proximity or with similar needs. Participation of European, national, or regional DSO associations is encouraged. Projects should clearly explain the targeted DSOs, their level of involvement, and the practical support that will be delivered during implementation.
The total available funding under the LIFE-2026-CET-DIGITAL – LIFE Project Grants call is €10,000,000. The European Commission considers that proposals requesting up to €2 million are likely to address the objectives appropriately, although proposals requesting other amounts may also be submitted.
Eligible applicants must be legal entities established in eligible countries, including EU Member States, EEA countries, and countries associated with the LIFE Programme. Both public and private bodies may apply. The consortium must include at least three applicants from three different eligible countries. The coordinator must be established in an eligible country. International organisations are eligible to participate, while natural persons are generally not eligible except for self-employed persons without separate legal personality. EU bodies, except the European Commission Joint Research Centre, cannot participate in the consortium.
For more information, visit European Commission.
