Overview of the Call
The Walloon Government’s “Territoire intelligent / Smart Région” second call for projects, part of the 2023 Plan de relance, aims to extend the success of the 2019 initiative by funding municipalities to replicate 35 completed pilot projects. The call provides €3.1 million to support smart, sustainable solutions that can be scaled across the region, positioning Wallonia as a test‑bed for innovative urban and housing strategies.
Geographic and Policy Context
Wallonia, the French‑speaking region of Belgium, is implementing a coordinated smart‑region strategy to modernise infrastructure, improve energy efficiency, and foster digital transformation. The call aligns with broader European Union objectives on climate neutrality, digitalisation, and resilient communities, making the projects relevant for pan‑European stakeholders interested in sustainable housing and smart city development.
Focus on Sustainable Housing
A core objective of the call is to promote sustainable housing models that integrate energy‑saving technologies, renewable energy sources, and data‑driven management systems. Projects are expected to demonstrate measurable reductions in carbon emissions, lower energy consumption, and enhanced occupant comfort, thereby contributing to the EU’s Green Deal targets.
Types of Eligible Projects
The call invites proposals that address:
- Smart energy grids and district heating/cooling networks.
- Renewable energy integration (solar, wind, biomass) in residential zones.
- Digital platforms for energy monitoring and citizen engagement.
- Innovative construction methods that reduce material waste and improve building performance.
- Replication of successful pilots from the 2019 call, such as modular housing units equipped with IoT sensors.
Funding Allocation and Selection Criteria
A total budget of €3.1 million is earmarked for the call. Funding decisions will be based on criteria including technical feasibility, scalability, environmental impact, cost‑effectiveness, and alignment with Wallonia’s smart‑region roadmap. Preference is given to projects that can be rolled out across multiple municipalities, ensuring broader regional benefits.
Collaboration and Partnerships
The call encourages partnerships between local authorities, research institutions, private companies, and civil society organisations. Collaborative approaches are essential for integrating expertise in urban planning, renewable energy, digital technologies, and social inclusion, thereby enhancing project robustness and impact.
Implementation Timeline
Selected projects are expected to commence shortly after award notification, with a typical implementation period of 12 to 24 months. Regular monitoring and reporting will be required to track progress against sustainability metrics and to facilitate knowledge sharing across the region.
Access and Submission Details
Interested parties can submit proposals through the official Walloon Government portal. Detailed guidelines, eligibility requirements, and evaluation procedures are available on the submission website. The call is publicly listed and can be accessed via the provided link, ensuring transparency for all stakeholders.