Sardinia region allocates €70 million for municipal solar projects and €1.15 million for artisan and retail grants

The Sardinia regional government approved a €70 million programme to support self‑consumption of energy in public buildings of municipalities with over 20,000 inhabitants. The first phase provides €14 million for 2026, with full reimbursement for photovoltaic installations, electro‑chemical storage and related technology, requiring at least 70% of the generated electricity to be consumed locally. The aim is to cut municipal electricity costs, boost renewable use and accelerate the island’s decarbonisation.

In a separate but concurrent initiative, the region released grant calls for small businesses in the artisan and commerce sectors. Firms based in Sardinia can apply for up to €40,000 per project, receiving 80% of costs as a non‑repayable grant (up to 85% for quality certifications, patents or for female‑led, youth‑run or small‑municipality enterprises). Funding totals €900,000 for artisans (including €150,000 for protected‑geographical‑indication projects) and €250,000 for retailers, covering certification, quality‑standard acquisition and related expenses. Applications open on 20 July and close on 21 September via the regional Sipes portal.