The Agri-food and Retail SMEs Renewable Energy Communities (SMP-COSME-2024-REC-01) call aims to create local and regional renewable energy communities (RECs) across the EU, helping agri-food and retail SMEs reduce energy costs. Successful consortia will receive funding for providing advisory services to support the creation of these communities.

The financial support for the call amounts to EUR 2,900,000, allocated to three projects. The funding will facilitate various activities, such as organising calls for expressions of interest to secure third-party support for SMEs in establishing renewable energy communities (RECs). It also covers the provision of technical, legal, and financial consultancy, alongside managing communications, dissemination of results and best practices. The initiative encourages themes such as increasing renewable energy use, reducing emissions, and integrating agri-food and retail SMEs into energy-efficient communities.

To be eligible, applicants must be legal entities, either public or private, based in EU Member States or other eligible countries. This includes organisations such as consultancy firms, Enterprise Europe Network host organisations, and entities representing local authorities. Applicants must also be registered in the Participant Register and go through the necessary validation process before submitting proposals.

The application deadline is 20 February 2025, 17:00 CET.  For more details and to apply, visit the F&T portal and the EISMEA website.