Renewable Energy Valleys in Africa to increase energy security and energy access in Africa

Overview

Supports the development of decentralized renewable energy systems ("Renewable Energy Valleys") in Africa to improve energy security, access, and local economic growth. Targets consortia with African and European partners to design, construct, and operate demonstration installations in urban or rural African contexts.

Who Can Apply

Consortia comprising at least two legal entities from different African Union member states, alongside European partners. African SMEs and EU private sector actors are encouraged to participate. Eligible applicants include research institutions, public bodies, and private companies.

Funding Details

Maximum funding per project: €43,000,000.

What Is Funded

• Design, construction, commissioning, and operation of renewable energy demonstration installations in Africa.
• Local value chain development, including manufacturing and workforce training.
• Grid stability, energy consumption analysis, and circular economy approaches.
• Market and business strategies, including funding from European/international financial instruments.
• Life cycle analysis (cradle-to-grave) assessing environmental, social, and economic impacts.
• Collaboration with EU-AU initiatives (e.g., LEAP-RE, Global Gateway) and alignment with Paris Agreement targets.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

Projects must target Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 7–9.

Key Dates

• Open date: 2026-12-02
• Deadline: 2027-03-30

Application Process (High-Level)

Single-stage submission via the Funding & Tenders Portal. Proposals must demonstrate access to land/permits or include risk management plans for delays.

Post-Award Obligations

• Participation in EU-AU collaborative research actions (e.g., LEAP-RE).
• Reporting on project outcomes, including life cycle analysis and socio-economic impacts.
• Dissemination of results and alignment with Global Gateway priorities.

Geographic Scope & Language

• Eligible countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, United Kingdom, Switzerland, and all African Union member states.
• Application language: English.

Notes

• Proposals must adopt a Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem (WEFE) Nexus approach and circular economy principles.
• Gender-sensitive and socially inclusive strategies are encouraged.
• Use of Copernicus/Galileo/EGNOS data is mandatory if satellite-based services are employed.
• Proven land/permit access or robust risk management is required at submission.