Transition to low-temperature heating solutions in multi-apartment buildings

Overview

Funding for projects demonstrating low-temperature heating solutions in multi-apartment buildings and district heating systems, targeting cities committed to climate neutrality. Supports integration of renewable energy, waste heat, and digital tools to optimize heating efficiency.

Who Can Apply

Consortia including at least two cities from different EU Member States or Associated Countries, with one city among the 112 selected for the EU Mission on Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities. Local authorities or entities with explicit consent from local authorities must participate as beneficiaries.

Funding Details

Maximum grant amount: 10,000,000 EUR. Funding is provided as a lump sum.

What Is Funded

• Demonstration of low-temperature district heating systems (supply temperatures below 70°C) and building-level heating solutions (supply temperatures up to 50°C) in at least four residential multi-apartment buildings (minimum 1,000 m² each).
• Integration of renewable energy sources, waste heat, and heat storage at building, district, or city level.
• Development of digital tools for control, monitoring, and decision-making in heating systems.
• Solutions must be transferable, standardized, and demonstrated in two different climate zones.
• Participation of local energy communities to assess socio-economic benefits.
• Collaboration with Climate City Contracts, Sustainable Energy Action Plans, or Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

Projects must achieve Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7-8 by the end of the project.

Key Dates

• Open date: 2026-02-03
• Deadline: 2026-10-07

Application Process (High-Level)

Single-stage submission via the Funding & Tenders Portal. Proposals must include a detailed work plan and provisions for collaboration with the Cities Mission Platform.

Post-Award Obligations

• Formalization of collaboration with the Cities Mission Platform through a Memorandum of Understanding.
• Participation in clustering activities with other relevant projects under the Cities Mission.
• Reporting on environmental, social, and economic benefits for local communities and heating system operators.

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. Application language: English.

Notes

• Proposals must address at least two of the specified focus areas (district heating, building-level heating, or integration of renewable energy/waste heat).
• Projects must include advanced controls for energy flexibility and account for regional economic and regulatory aspects.
• A concise state-of-the-art review of existing EU-funded solutions is required.