Support for enterprise development in renewable energy and waste management in developing countries 2025

This is a call for proposals under the grant scheme for enterprise development for renewable energy. The grant scheme aims to contribute to sustainable economic growth through access to energy, which is key for many developing countries. Consideration will also be given to projects in other sectors with a significant element of renewable energy generation.

For this call there is also a smaller window for projects aimed at improving waste management, such as waste  collection, processing treatment or recycling. Proposals under this window are under the grant scheme for sustainable oceans and measures to combat marine litter. Applications for these funds are not required to have an energy element, but waste-to-energy projects can be considered for both windows.
 
Grants are intended to reduce risk prior to investment decisions. Grants can support feasibility studies for business establishment or renewable energy or waste management projects, or vital public infrastructure enabling grid connection.

This call is application-based and competitive, and open to any Norwegian or international applicants that meet the criteria in section 3. Applications are evaluated and weighted in relation to other applications and the call’s overall portfolio, and applications are only granted in accordance with the guidelines and criteria set out in this call. 
 
The budget for the call is limited to around ten new agreements per window, so not all relevant applications will be successful, depending on application volume. No applicant is entitled to a grant from this scheme, even if all the formal and material criteria under the grant scheme are met.

Application process

Applicants will first be asked to submit a short concept note, as well as audited financial accounts (in English) from 2023, or 2024 if available, and confirm that they meet the grant scheme’s minimum criteria to qualify for support (see section 4A and 4B). This will be referred to as “Stage 1” of the application process. Applications will be assessed based on criteria in section 5A.

Successful applicants will subsequently be invited to submit full applications as well as any other required documentation. This will be referred to as “Stage 2” of the application process.

Unsuccessful applicants at both stages will be notified as soon as possible.

The grant may cover up to 50 % of the incurred project costs and the applicant is responsible for financing the remaining 50 %.

All applications and relevant documentation for stages 1 and 2 must be submitted through Norad’s Grant Portal.