The European Union is at the forefront of the global transition towards renewable energy. With ambitious targets set under the European Green Deal, the EU aims to become the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. This drive is supported by various grant funding initiatives, innovative projects, and the integration of advanced technologies. FI Group plays a crucial role in helping companies access these funding opportunities to achieve their renewable energy goals.
EU Grant Funding Initiatives
The EU has established several funding mechanisms to support renewable energy projects:
- Cohesion Fund: Aims to reduce economic and social disparities between EU countries and promote sustainable development by supporting projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase the use of renewable energy, and improve energy efficiency.
- Connecting Europe Facility (CEF): With a budget of €42.3 billion for 2021-2027, CEF supports investments in energy, transport, and digital infrastructure, with €8.7 billion allocated specifically for energy projects.
- European Investment Bank (EIB): Provides loans and financial instruments to finance energy projects and has launched the European Investment Advisory Hub to offer advice and expertise on project development.
- European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI): Mobilises private investment in strategically important projects, including renewable energy, power grids, and energy efficiency.
- European Regional Development Fund (ERDF): Finances programmes to make Europe more competitive, greener, and closer to citizens by supporting investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency.
- Horizon Europe: A research and innovation funding programme that invests around €5.6 billion to support the European Green Deal and accelerate the transition towards clean energy.
Examples of Awarded Grants and Projects
Several projects have benefited from EU grants. For instance, in 2025, the Innovation Fund supported 77 decarbonisation projects across 18 European countries. These projects aim to reduce emissions by approximately 397.6 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent over their first ten years of operation. Horizon Europe has funded numerous projects under its Cluster 5 ‘Climate, Energy and Mobility’ to support the REPowerEU initiative.
Grants for Households
The EU also provides grants to households to adopt green energy initiatives:
- Recovery and Resilience Facility: Dedicates €184 billion to energy-related measures, with €106.5 billion allocated to energy efficiency measures in public and residential buildings, including social housing.
- Cohesion Policy Funds: Support energy-efficient renovations of buildings, including insulation, heat recovery, and digitalisation of building systems.
The Role of Digital Technologies
Digital technologies are increasingly important in the renewable energy sector. Smart grids, for example, use digital communication technology to detect and react to local changes in usage, improving the efficiency and reliability of electricity distribution. Additionally, the Internet of Things (IoT) enables better energy management by connecting devices and systems, allowing for real-time monitoring and optimisation of energy use.
FI Group’s Role
At FI Group, we help companies navigate the complex landscape of funding opportunities. We provide expert consultation, analysing company projects, developing strategies, assisting in application submissions, and managing projects to ensure successful disbursement of funds. Our comprehensive International Grants Guide helps companies uncover public funding opportunities tailored to their needs, enhancing their projects and achieving their objectives.
Conclusion
The European drive towards renewable energy is supported by robust funding initiatives, innovative projects, and advanced technologies. FI Group’s expertise in accessing these funding opportunities ensures that companies can successfully contribute to Europe’s renewable energy goals, fostering a sustainable and climate-neutral future.