LIFE CET, the key to accelerating the energy transition in Europe

In response to the growing urgency of tackling climate change, the European Union has launched a series of initiatives to accelerate the shift towards a clean, sustainable, and accessible energy model. Among these, LIFE Clean Energy Transition (LIFE CET) stands out as an ambitious programme that funds projects aimed at overcoming barriers to the energy transition across Europe. Within this framework, Zabala Innovation succeeded in having all the proposals it supported under the 2024 LIFE CET call selected among the 44 funded by the European Commission, out of a total of 320 submitted. While the average success rate in the programme was 14%, the consultancy achieved a 100% approval rate.

LIFE CET, part of the EU’s broader LIFE programme, aims to support projects that contribute to the decarbonisation of Europe, helping the continent to become the first to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. With a budget of nearly €1 billion through to 2027, LIFE CET focuses on financing initiatives that promote renewable energy, energy efficiency, and the implementation of regulations related to the energy transition.

“LIFE CET is key to driving the implementation of clean energy solutions by supporting policy development, removing market barriers, providing tools, business models, and skills, accelerating the deployment of innovative technologies, and actively engaging citizens through greater awareness and participation in the energy transition,” explains Thomas Zimmer, European project consultant at Zabala Innovation and expert in this sub-programme.

This European initiative encompasses a wide range of topics, from improving energy efficiency in industry to boosting local energy communities. One of the standout aspects of LIFE CET is its focus on cooperation between public and private actors, as well as the involvement of civil society in the development of energy solutions. A clear example of this is the EC4Rural project, which aims to transform rural communities in Europe by creating energy communities. This project seeks to address depopulation and energy poverty in rural areas by offering a model that integrates renewable energy generation and promotes collaboration among various local stakeholders.

Governance and regional cooperation

Another key aspect of LIFE CET is its emphasis on energy governance. In many cases, the transition to clean energy requires not only technological advances but also a reorganisation of administrative structures and an improvement in the capacity of authorities to manage change. Projects such as Plan4CET are designed precisely to achieve this: developing new governance methodologies to facilitate cooperation between public administrations, particularly at the regional level. These types of projects have a direct impact on how local governments manage the energy transition, enhancing their ability to plan and implement effective public policies. “The challenge lies not only in technology but also in governments’ capacity to implement energy policies effectively,” Zimmer notes.

Along the same lines, the LIFE CET programme also supports the development of sustainable energy infrastructure. One such example is the IncentEU project, approved in 2024, which aims to develop urban heating and cooling networks based on renewable energy sources. These types of infrastructure are fundamental to achieving greater energy efficiency in cities and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. IncentEU focuses on France, Estonia and Spain—countries with differing climates and energy needs—thus allowing solutions to be replicated in diverse contexts. “Expanding urban heating networks is a fundamental step towards creating more sustainable cities,” Zimmer emphasises. “Through projects like IncentEU, we are laying the foundations for these infrastructures to grow on a large scale,” he adds.

Energy efficiency in industry and renovation

Energy efficiency in the industrial sector is another priority area of the programme. The Audit-Plus project focuses on improving energy efficiency in energy-intensive industries such as the ceramics, pharmaceutical, and food sectors. Many of these industries have not prioritised energy efficiency due to a lack of information or resources, leading to high energy consumption and unnecessary emissions. Through audits and the implementation of practical solutions, Audit-Plus aims to reduce energy use in key industrial sectors, thereby contributing to the decarbonisation of European industry. “Industries have enormous potential to reduce their carbon footprint. With the right support, they can play an active role in the energy transition,” Zimmer affirms.

LIFE CET also funds projects promoting the energy renovation of residential buildings. One of the 2024-approved projects, Inspire-Us, for instance, works to improve energy efficiency in rental housing, particularly in vulnerable neighbourhoods. Through a comprehensive service that includes diagnostics, financing, and permit management, Inspire-Us seeks to facilitate the energy refurbishment of homes, addressing the issue of split incentives between landlords and tenants. These types of initiatives have a direct impact on residents’ quality of life and the reduction of CO₂ emissions. “Energy efficiency should not be a luxury but an opportunity for all. Projects like this are key to achieving more sustainable and affordable housing,” Zimmer points out.

Over the years, Zabala Innovation has supported consortia throughout the process of securing LIFE CET funding for all these projects. “Our success lies in a deep understanding of each project’s needs and ensuring alignment with EU objectives. LIFE CET is a unique opportunity to advance the energy transition, and we make sure each proposal is strong and viable,” Zimmer highlights.

The projects supported by LIFE CET reflect a comprehensive energy transition that depends not only on technological innovation but also on an integrated approach involving all stakeholders: governments, businesses, and citizens. As Europe continues to face challenges on its path towards climate neutrality, programmes such as LIFE CET offer a roadmap to achieving ambitious goals and securing a sustainable energy future.