Deadline: February 17, 2026
The European Commission announces a call under the Horizon Europe programme inviting innovative proposals for the deployment of Positive Energy Districts (PEDs), aiming to accelerate climate-neutral, energy-efficient urban transformations and foster sustainable local energy solutions.
The focus areas include demonstrating innovative solutions to overcome technical, business, social, and organizational constraints in climate mitigation, integration of renewable energy sources, energy storage in buildings, grid connections, distributed energy generation and storage at district level, permitting, data privacy and security, and the application of new technologies such as artificial intelligence. The scope further involves cooperation among municipal and regional authorities and professionals from the energy and construction sectors in complex implementation processes.
Recent projects have demonstrated the feasibility of Positive Energy Districts but highlight the need for further demonstration of their climate-neutral impact. The call encourages proposals that develop supportive local planning frameworks for the design and realization of PEDs. Demonstrations should take place in at least three diverse geographical districts combining energy efficiency, renewable energy installations, storage solutions, digital and smart technologies, and local energy communities.
The call also emphasizes developing or updating guidelines, tools, and training materials for key professionals to enable the replication of successful PED approaches in other cities or districts. Active involvement of all relevant stakeholders, including citizens, is essential through co-creation processes and community engagement activities.
The expected outcomes include an increased number of approaches and solutions enabling a net positive yearly energy balance at the district level, measurable increase in inclusiveness and public acceptance of PED implementation, and improved user-friendliness and awareness among professionals for overcoming barriers to PED realization.
This topic requires effective contribution from social sciences and humanities disciplines, including social innovation expertise, to enhance societal impact by addressing social, organizational, and acceptance challenges. This interdisciplinary approach aims to produce meaningful effects that facilitate the uptake and scaling of PEDs, contributing significantly to climate actions within urban environments.
The Commission estimates that an EU contribution of around EUR 5.00 million would allow these outcomes to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of a proposal requesting different amounts.
The total indicative budget for the topic is EUR 15.00 million.
For more information, visit EC.
