Existing tools, primarily Local Energy Concepts (MEK) and the EFEKT program, have provided initial experience, but too often ended up as half-hearted strategies without clear links to specific actions. The newly issued subsidy title for municipal energy and climate plans SECAP+ from the State Environmental Fund offers cities and municipalities the opportunity to obtain subsidies for strategies with a practical impact on municipal ecology.
The SECAP+ program (NPO Call No. 14/2025: Consulting for local governments – conceptual documents in the field of climate and energy) combines to a certain extent the previously developed MEK and Climate Action Plan (SECAP) and is designed to help municipalities set a long-term path towards savings, greater self-sufficiency, and the modernization and decarbonization of heating systems. Unlike previous instruments, it is intended to be more than just a formal condition for drawing subsidies – its aim is to actually guide local governments towards feasible investments and strengthen their ability to plan with a long-term outlook.
The key to success is a quality partner and a well-thought-out plan
However, subsidies also come with risks. There are companies that focus on quickly processing documents without any deeper expertise and see subsidies as nothing more than a quick profit – we saw this during the photovoltaic boom: some entrepreneurs collected large advance payments and then disappeared or ended up insolvent when demand fell. The result of this approach is often a cookie-cutter strategy that does not serve as a basis for realistic projects, and municipalities may lose not only money, but above all the opportunity to prepare for future developments in the energy sector.
The key is therefore to choose a quality partner who has an experienced team, can demonstrate successfully implemented projects, and offers support even after the strategy has been handed over. A reliable partner will not just sign the handover protocol, but will guide the municipality through the entire process – from analysis and proposals for measures to their practical implementation. A good strategy can be recognized by the fact that it is based on real energy consumption data, actively involves residents, and proposes specific steps that can be implemented immediately.
The transformation of heating as an opportunity
The transformation of district heating is both a major challenge and an opportunity. Thanks to SECAP+, the shift away from coal and the transition to sustainable sources—whether biomass, heat pumps, waste heat, or storage—can be given a clear timetable and take the form of specific projects. Municipalities that are prepared will be able to turn this necessary change into a stable and affordable heat supply for their residents and strengthen municipal ecology within their territory.
It is essential for mayors and councilors to start as soon as possible. First, it is necessary to map the initial situation – to find out how much energy municipal buildings consume, what the operating costs are, and what the local heating industry looks like. Then, the municipal leadership must decide how to apply for support – whether in cooperation with neighboring municipalities or a local action group. An important step is choosing a partner who can not only prepare the document but also provide support during implementation. Furthermore, the success of the strategy depends on the involvement of the public and local businesses, who know best what the needs and possibilities of a particular area are.
The priorities of cities and municipalities should start with quick savings, such as modernizing public lighting or managing consumption in buildings, which can be followed by longer-term investments, such as renovating heating systems or introducing renewable sources and storage. However, it is necessary to think ahead – SECAP+ is only the starting line. Every step beyond the mandatory minimum not only increases the value of the result, but also gives the municipality a better starting position for drawing further subsidies, whether from the Modernization Fund, the Operational Program Environment, or the New Green Savings program, which will follow on from the strategy.
Terms and conditions of support
The conditions for the subsidy are set so that documents can be processed for larger municipalities or for clusters of municipalities and local action groups (LAGs). The subsidy is graded according to the total number of inhabitants, with municipalities that already have at least one MEK or SECAP document processed being excluded from the population assessment and not eligible for the subsidy when applying independently. It is necessary to contact municipalities that do not yet have any strategic documents. The amount of support depends on the population and can reach up to CZK 1.5 million, with the possibility of additional bonuses. The maximum rate of support is 60 percent of eligible costs. Applications will be accepted from August 2025 to April 2026, and projects must be completed by June 2026.
Do you have a clear plan for reducing energy costs, limiting emissions, and getting the most out of available subsidies? If not, now is the perfect time to prepare one. Our experienced experts at ORGREZ ECO will be happy to help you. For more information, visit www.zeleneteplarenstvi.cz.
Jan Hanus, CEO of ORGREZ ECO s.r.o.