• Nearly PLN 800 million has been allocated to the Programme, including PLN 680 million from the EEA Grants.
• The Programme covers activities in the areas of climate, energy, nature conservation and the circular economy.
• The Programme includes nine calls for proposals and eleven non-competitive projects.
• The first calls for proposals will focus on energy storage to support the development of renewable energy sources, the protection of biodiversity and ecosystems, and the circular economy in the construction sector.
• Eligible applicants will include local authorities, public institutions, businesses, non-governmental organisations and research bodies, among others.
• The Programme will enable projects to be implemented in cooperation with partners from Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. The exchange of experience and the use of good practices developed in the Donor States are intended to be key elements of these projects.

The ‘Green Transition’ Programme has an ambitious and broad scope, addressing interconnected challenges related to climate, energy, the environment and natural resources. Its ambition is not only to finance individual investments, but also to create sustainable conditions for further transformation by developing expertise, improving access to data, preparing tools for central and local government, and supporting knowledge-based solutions

— said Deputy Minister Krzysztof Bolesta at the conference launching the “Green Transition” Programme.

Investments important for residents and local authorities

The Programme will support initiatives that help make cities more resilient to climate change. Planned activities include projects involving rainwater retention, the development of green infrastructure and nature-based solutions. Funding may also be allocated to educational activities aimed at raising climate awareness.

Development of local energy systems and modern solutions

A significant share of the funding will be allocated to the development of energy communities, renewable energy sources and energy storage. The Programme also provides support for the preparation of projects involving carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) technologies. These measures are intended to promote modern energy solutions and strengthen the potential of local energy initiatives.

The Programme combines local action with systemic solutions. Projects selected through calls for proposals will address the specific needs of cities, local authorities, businesses, public institutions, research organisations and civil society organisations. At the same time, pre-defined projects will develop, among other things, climate education, tools for local authorities, Poland’s capacity in carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) and geothermal energy, the digitalisation of environmental procedures, nature monitoring, and green public procurement

— said Deputy Minister Krzysztof Bolesta.

Support for nature and the circular economy

The Programme will also cover projects designed to protect ecosystems and biodiversity, establish new nature reserves and develop nature monitoring. Funding will also be provided for circular economy activities, including closed-loop water management, circularity in construction and green public procurement.

The first calls for proposals are coming soon

The conference presented funding opportunities for projects in the areas of climate, energy, nature and the circular economy, as well as guidelines for the planned calls for proposals. The first calls to be launched will concern energy storage to support the development of renewable energy sources, the protection of biodiversity and ecosystems, and the circular economy in the construction sector. Eligible applicants will include local authorities, public institutions, businesses, non-governmental organisations, and academic and research institutions, among others.

International cooperation and exchange of experience

Cooperation with partners from Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein will be a key element of the Programme. Project promoters will be able to implement projects jointly with institutions from the Donor States and draw on their experience and expertise. The conference also highlighted the importance of exchanging good practices and building lasting partnerships to support the implementation of environmental and climate projects.

Those interested in applying for funding should begin preparing their projects now and establish contacts with potential partners in Poland and the Donor States. The better prepared they are today, the greater their chances of receiving support

— emphasised Deputy Minister Krzysztof Bolesta.

Up-to-date information on the “Green Transition” Programme and the planned calls for proposals is available on the EEA and Norway Grants Poland website.