The European Commission has launched the 2011 call for project proposals under the Intelligent Energy – Europe (IEE) funding programme. €57 million are available to co-fund projects that facilitate the widespread use of renewable energy and help realise Europe’s energy saving potential.
The projects funded under the Intelligent Energy – Europe programme are designed to help the EU stay on track with regard to its energy and climate change targets for 2020. About 50 projects are expected to receive funding. The call runs until 12th May 2011.
The 2011 call adds a number of new priorities within the key funding areas of the programme. Among them are actions aimed at simplifying procedures for grid developments to deliver more renewable energy. The call also foresees a multi-annual scheme for training and qualification of the building workforce, focusing particularly on national strategies to develop the necessary ‘green’ skills of those employed in the sector. Other actions aim to promote more energy savings in industry and to facilitate the uptake of the so- called ‘nearly zero energy buildings’. An additional priority covers the support to local and regional authorities, in particular for mobilising actors and local investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy.
Other areas are maintained from previous calls. In the field of transport, this year’s call focuses on sustainable urban mobility plans, freight distribution, leisure travel, and clean vehicles. In other sectors, it also supports actions in the field of bio-businesses (eg biomass, bio-energy) and the creation of sustainable energy communities.
The call is open to any public or private organisation established in the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Croatia. In most cases projects can run for up to three years and should involve at least three partners from three different countries. Hardware-type investments and research and development projects are not supported under the programme.