Public funding for the energy transition in transport

March 2024

Mobility funding plays an essential role in the transformation of transport, facilitating travel for individuals and businesses while encouraging the adoption of more environmentally-friendly modes and means of transport. In France, which subsidies for local authorities support the energy transition in transport and help to improve accessibility, reduce carbon emissions and encourage more efficient travel?

1. The local investment support grant (DSIL)

The DSIL is managed by the French State and provides funding for the main investment priorities of local authorities or their groupings. The annual budget is €570m. The law sets out six main priorities, including the development of mobility infrastructure. Local authorities can apply for this funding for sustainable transport infrastructure projects such as cycle paths, charging points for electric vehicles, cycle parking facilities, etc.

2. State-Region Plan Contracts (CPER)

CPERs are agreements signed between the State and the regions to define investment priorities for a given area. Transport energy transition projects can receive specific funding under these contracts, such as the development of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles or sustainable mobility initiatives. It should be noted that, at the time of writing, the preparation of the new generation of State-Region Plan Contracts (CPER) for the period 2021-2027 was underway.

3. National and regional calls for projects

The French government and the regions regularly launch calls for projects to finance transport energy transition initiatives at local level. These calls for projects can cover various areas such as electromobility, public transport, cycling facilities, low-emission zones, etc. Local authorities can submit projects and obtain funding if their project is selected.

4. European programmes

Local authorities can also benefit from European funding for their transport energy transition projects. For example, funds may be allocated under the Horizon Europe programme or the European Structural Funds to support research and innovation initiatives in the field of sustainable transport.

Sources

To go further