Innovative approaches for the deployment of Positive Energy Districts
HORIZON-CL5-2026-02-D4-04 HORIZON Innovation Actions
Amount not specified
17/02/2026
Non-profit, Private Business, Research Institution, Public Institution
Trusted by
What is the Innovative approaches for the deployment of Positive Energy Districts Call?
Expected Outcomes
• An increased number of proven approaches and solutions enabling a net-positive annual energy balance at district level, with the capability to export surplus renewable energy beyond district boundaries and high potential for replication in other PEDs;
• Measurable improvements in inclusiveness and public acceptance of PED implementation, demonstrated through stakeholder feedback and engagement metrics;
• Enhanced user-friendliness and increased awareness among key professionals of the guidelines, tools and training materials, facilitating the removal of technical, business and social barriers to PED realisation.
Scope Requirements
• Demonstrate innovative approaches and solutions for overcoming technical, business, social and organisational constraints which currently inhibit complete, qualified PEDs. Domains to be tackled include climate change mitigation; integration of renewable energy sources and energy storage in buildings; grid connections; accommodation of distributed energy generation and storage at district level; permitting processes; data privacy and security; and application of new technologies such as artificial intelligence;
• Develop and apply supportive local planning frameworks for the design and realisation of PEDs, engaging municipal/regional authorities and sector professionals;
• Demonstrate the proposed approaches, solutions and planning frameworks in at least three districts located in diverse geographical and climatic contexts, implementing energy efficiency alongside renewables, storage, digital/smart technologies and local energy communities;
• Develop and/or update existing guidelines, tools and training materials targeting key professionals to enable other cities and districts to replicate these approaches and frameworks successfully;
• Ensure active involvement of all relevant public and private stakeholders, including citizens, through structured co-creation processes and community engagement activities;
• Integrate effective contributions from SSH disciplines and experts (including institutions specializing in social innovation) to maximise societal impact.
Special Conditions
• Projects must implement formal co-creation and community engagement processes throughout all stages;
• Field demonstrations must cover at least three distinct districts in different geographical settings to prove replicability and scalability;
• Digital and AI solutions developed or applied must comply with EU data privacy and security regulations;
• Compliance with relevant permitting, regulatory and local planning requirements in each demonstration district;
• Grant awarded as a lump-sum under the HORIZON-AG-LS model; single-stage submission due by 17 February 2026, 17:00 Brussels time.
Open from: 16/09/2025
Deadline:17/02/2026
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