The Board of the Małopolska Region has launched a strategic call for applications for energy transformation projects funding in the western part of the region. The program offers support for two key areas: renewable energy sources development and energy communities building.
Four Counties at the Center of Transformation
The new call under the European Funds for Małopolska 2021-2027 focuses on Western Małopolska, covering the counties of: Chrzanów, Olkusz, Oświęcim, and Wadowice. This is a strategic choice – this region is undergoing intensive energy transformation, moving away from traditional energy sources towards renewable solutions.
The program is implemented under Priority 8 “European Funds for Just Transition of Western Małopolska”, in Action 8.11 “Energy Transformation”.
Two Paths for Renewable Energy Development
Type A: RES Utilization Development
The first support area focuses on specific investments in renewable energy sources infrastructure. Beneficiaries can apply for funds for construction or reconstruction of RES installations for electricity and heat generation, including energy storage and energy management systems.
Special attention is drawn to the possibility of implementing umbrella projects by municipalities and counties – enabling the installation of photovoltaic and solar panels on residents’ single-family residential buildings. This solution can significantly accelerate the development of RES micro-installations in the region.
Type B: Energy Communities of the Future
The second type of projects focuses on developing distributed energy in the form of energy communities. Support can be received by energy clusters and energy cooperatives operating in renewable energy.
This innovative approach enables local communities to jointly manage the production, distribution, and consumption of energy from renewable sources.
Wide Range of Beneficiaries
The program features an inclusive approach to potential beneficiaries. For Type A, funding can be received by:
- Local government units along with their associations and unions
- Micro, small and medium enterprises
- Universities and scientific units
- Non-governmental organizations
- Housing communities and cooperatives
- Public healthcare facilities
- Educational institutions
For Type B, beneficiaries can only be energy cooperatives and energy clusters.
The maximum funding percentage that Beneficiaries can receive is 95%. The call for applications has an allocation of PLN 50,092,275.16.
Applications can be submitted until July 31, 2025, by 15:00, while the competition resolution is scheduled for December 2025.
Practical Guidelines for Applicants
Application preparation step by step:
- Analysis of program documents – familiarization with selection criteria and Call Regulations
- Study Vademecum – detailed instructions for completing the application
- Registration in the IGA system – platform available at https://iga.malopolska.pl
- Documentation preparation – all documents require a qualified electronic signature
Significance for the Energy Sector
The launch of this call represents an important signal for the renewable energy industry in Poland. Western Małopolska can become a model example of energy transformation in a post-industrial region, combining economic development with climate goals.
The program offers particularly attractive opportunities for RES sector companies – from technology manufacturers and installers, through energy storage companies, to entities specializing in creating energy communities.
Additional support for applicants:
- Information events and training
- Information Point for questions and consultations
- Detailed Description of Priorities available online
Development Prospects
The call is part of a broader Polish decarbonization strategy and implementation of the European Green Deal. For entrepreneurs in the RES industry, this means a stable source of project funding and the opportunity to build long-term partnerships with local governments and communities.
More information about the call and current documents are available on the European Funds for Małopolska website. Potential beneficiaries are advised to regularly monitor announcements regarding application deadlines and conditions.
Anna Faltus
Editor-in-Chief of The Portal OZE Magazine Anna Faltus - an entrepreneur who pursues her activities in the renewable energy sector. She is the owner of such brands as: Szkolenia OZE, Akademia OZE, under which she organises specialised training in the field of renewable energy sources and connects contacts in the RES industry. Initiator and initiator of the RES Portal magazine project - an online educational and informational magazine that promotes access to expert knowledge on RES. She is the organiser of the international conference combined with the ONLINE PV Conference&Expo exhibition aimed at the photovoltaic industry, the PV SALES LAB conference and the Portal OZE Partners Day event series. She works with a wide range of experts from the RES industry and focuses on the reliable and substantive transfer of theoretical and practical knowledge. Advisor on entrepreneurship, company development and the development of marketing strategies.
