NESOIPlus launches its first Open Call for Energy Communities
The NESOIPlus project has officially launched its first Open Call, dedicated to supporting Energy Community initiatives in the Azores, the Canary Islands and Martinique. The call opened on 20 April 2026 and will close on 26 June 2026 at 17:00 CET.
This initiative represents an important step towards strengthening local energy governance in island and non-interconnected territories, while empowering citizens, local authorities and local stakeholders to actively contribute to the clean energy transition.
Selected initiatives will benefit from tailored technical and strategic assistance aimed at transforming innovative ideas into concrete, implementable and investment-ready energy projects.
Targeted support for island-based Energy Communities
The Open Call is specifically addressed to Energy Community initiatives located in the Azores, the Canary Islands and Martinique. Applications are open to a wide range of local actors, including municipalities, public bodies, cooperatives, associations and other organisations engaged in citizen-led energy initiatives.
NESOIPlus will support projects across several energy-related areas, such as renewable energy generation, energy efficiency, storage solutions, smart grids and integrated decentralised systems.
Support will be provided through customised technical assistance, addressing key development needs such as technical and engineering analysis, business and governance models, financial planning and organisational structuring. This approach is designed to help Energy Communities overcome common technical, financial and regulatory challenges faced in island contexts.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted exclusively through the NESOI Platform, which is the sole submission channel for the NESOIPlus Open Call.
Detailed information on eligibility conditions, the application process and the scope of technical assistance is available through the NESOIPlus project website.
Application deadline: 26 June 2026, 17:00 CET
NESOI Platform: https://www.nesoi.eu
What is NESOIPlus?
NESOIPlus is a three-year EU-funded project designed to support the development of Energy Communities in the EU Outermost Regions. It builds on the experience and results of the former NESOI (New Energy Solutions Optimiser for Islands) project.
The initiative aims to empower citizens, local authorities and regional stakeholders by addressing the technical, financial and regulatory barriers that often slow down energy projects in island territories. NESOIPlus provides tailored technical, financial and organisational support to help Energy Community initiatives move from early-stage concepts to bankable and implementable solutions, while facilitating access to finance and accelerating project implementation.
The project also relies on the NESOI One-Stop Shop (OSS), a digital hub offering practical tools, templates, regulatory guidance and opportunities for cooperation, specifically designed for island and outermost region contexts.
Over the duration of the project, NESOIPlus will launch two Open Calls, with the objective of supporting up to 30 Energy Community initiatives in the Azores, the Canary Islands and Martinique through technical assistance and capacity-building activities.
NESOIPlus is delivered by a European consortium bringing together organisations with strong expertise in island energy transition, technical assistance, research and innovation. The partnership is coordinated by SINLOC and includes Zabala Innovation Consulting, R2M Solution, Centre for Research & Technology Hellas (CERTH), RINA and the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (CPMR). Regional and territorial partners from the pilot Outermost Regions are also involved, with the Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas (Azores government), Instituto Technologico de Canarias and Collectivité territoriale de Martinique, ensuring that project activities and support services are closely aligned with local needs and regulatory contexts.
Why Energy Communities matter for island territories
In island and outermost regions, geographical isolation and limited interconnection often result in higher energy costs and a strong dependence on imported fuels. In this context, Energy Communities offer a practical and inclusive solution by promoting locally owned, decentralised energy systems.
By enabling citizens and local actors to collectively produce, manage and consume renewable energy, Energy Communities help strengthen local resilience, improve energy security and foster social acceptance of renewable projects, while keeping economic value within the territory.
Apply now and help shape the energy transition
With this first Open Call, NESOIPlus invites Energy Communities and local stakeholders in the Azores, the Canary Islands and Martinique to take an active role in shaping a more sustainable and resilient energy future.
Interested organisations are encouraged to consult the Open Call documentation and submit their proposals via the NESOI Platform before 26 June 2026 at 17:00 CET.
Links:
NESOIPlus website: https://www.nesoi.eu
