[European Space Agency](https://www.esa.int)

March 31, 2023 | October 31, 2023 | March 31, 2024 (final submission deadline)

Funding varies by project; typically supports feasibility studies and demonstration projects.

Supports development of space-based and digital solutions to accelerate the green energy transition in the utilities sector.

Applicants must coordinate with their National Delegation before submission.

--- ## Description This opportunity, offered by the European Space Agency (ESA), seeks proposals that leverage space assets—such as satellite communications, navigation, and Earth observation—combined with digital technologies (e.g., 5G, IoT, AI/ML, robotics) to drive digital transformation and sustainability in the energy utilities sector. The call targets innovative solutions for challenges like renewable energy monitoring, infrastructure modernization, supply chain transparency, grid management, and enabling the circular economy. The program is open to feasibility studies and demonstration projects that help utilities and related sectors achieve a just transition to green energy. --- ## Due Dates - March 31, 2023: Application Round 4 deadline - October 31, 2023: Application Round 5 deadline - March 31, 2024: Application Round 6 deadline - March 31, 2024: Call closing date / final submission deadline --- ## Funding Amount - Funding is available for both feasibility studies and demonstration projects. - The award size and duration are project-dependent; ESA typically covers a significant portion of eligible costs (consult the call documents for specifics). - Projects may also gain access to ESA’s 5G/6G Hub in Oxfordshire, UK, for technical testing and development. --- ## Eligibility - Open to companies, public bodies, NGOs, and groups of users residing in ESA Member States participating in the program. - Applicants must inform and obtain authorization from their [National Delegation](https://business.esa.int/national-delegations-0) prior to submitting a full proposal. - Italian entities do not need pre-authorization from their National Delegation; ESA interfaces directly. - Multi-partner consortia are welcome, but all organizations must be registered in [esa-star](https://esastar-emr.sso.esa.int/). --- ## Application Process 1. **Activity Pitch Questionnaire (APQ):** - Download and complete the [APQ template](https://business.esa.int/sites/business/files/APQ%20ProjectName%20(5).docx). - Submit online via the [APQ submission portal](https://business.esa.int/apq-submit). - Optional: Consult an [ESA Business Applications Ambassador](https://business.esa.int/ambassador-platforms) for guidance. 2. **Outline Proposal:** - If APQ is accepted, prepare and submit an Outline Proposal using the relevant template (available on the [ESA documents page](https://business.esa.int/documents)). - Submit within one year of APQ approval. 3. **Full Proposal:** - Register all partners in [esa-star Registration](https://esastar-emr.sso.esa.int/). - Download official tender documents from [esa-star Publication](https://esastar-publication.sso.esa.int/ESATenderActions/details/6900). - Obtain a Letter of Authorisation from your National Delegation (except for Italian entities). - Submit via [esa-star Tendering](https://esastar.sso.esa.int/). - Early engagement with National Delegations is strongly recommended. - For APQ submission issues, email Davide Coppola, Volker Schumacher, and Enrico Spinelli at ESA. --- ## Additional Information - Thematic focus areas include: net positive environmental impact, monitoring renewable capacity, smart energy systems, supply chain transparency, and grid modernization. - Projects should integrate space assets with advanced digital technologies. - Detailed use cases and technical requirements are outlined in the [call annexes](https://business.esa.int/sites/business/files/Space_and_Digital_Transformation_for_Green_Energy_Utilities-Annexes.pdf). - Selected projects may access ESA’s ECSAT 5G/6G Hub for testing. --- ## External Links - [Call Details & Application Instructions](https://business.esa.int/funding/call-for-proposals-non-competitive/space-and-digital-transformation-for-green-energy-utilities) - [National Delegations Contact List](https://business.esa.int/national-delegations-0) - [ESA Business Applications Ambassadors](https://business.esa.int/ambassador-platforms) - [esa-star Registration Portal](https://esastar-emr.sso.esa.int/) - [How to Apply Overview](https://business.esa.int/how-to-apply) - [Call Annexes (PDF)](https://business.esa.int/sites/business/files/Space_and_Digital_Transformation_for_Green_Energy_Utilities-Annexes.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Role/Contact Type | Details | |----------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | ESA General Contact | education@esa.int | +33 1 53 69 76 54 | | Submission Issues (APQ) | Davide Coppola, Volker Schumacher, Enrico Spinelli: [Email](mailto:Davide.Coppola@esa.int,Volker.Schumacher@esa.int,Enrico.Spinelli@esa.int) | | National Delegations | [List and contact emails](https://business.esa.int/national-delegations-0) | | ESA Business Ambassadors | [Ambassador platforms and contacts](https://business.esa.int/ambassador-platforms) | ---

Space and Digital Transformation for Green Energy Utilities

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