About the JET Funding Platform

The JET Funding Platform is a pivotal matchmaking service that connects grant funders with potential beneficiaries of Just Energy Transition (JET) projects. This platform addresses critical funding gaps by improving access to grant funding, particularly for smaller-scale projects and capacity-building initiatives, essential for the successful transition away from coal dependency. It will play a significant role in the implementation of the JET IP (2023–2027), initially focusing on communities in the coal value chain. The JET Funding Platform addresses the urgent need to scale up financing for the JET initiatives that cannot draw on commercial sources of funding.

The JET Funding Platform is not a fund. It is a service designed to link grant funders with JET-aligned projects that require financial and technical support. It will provide regular updates on the deployment of funds and offer project preparation support services to assist originators in becoming grant-ready. By helping projects become investment-ready, the platform empowers beneficiaries to unlock opportunities and access both local and international grant funding sources.

Focus Areas of the JET Funding Platform

The platform will focus on a broad range of objectives, including:

Social and economic support for communities and workers affected by coal power plant and coal mine closures.
Economic diversification planning, with a particular focus on Mpumalanga.
Provision of start-up capital, alongside debt and equity, for new enterprises in transitioning coal regions.
Credit enhancement for small, medium, and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) in Mpumalanga.
Reskilling and upskilling initiatives for workers entering the green economy.
Piloting renewable energy (RE) community ownership models.
Technical assistance for project preparation and business development support.
Capacity building for both state institutions and community-based organisations involved in JET outcomes.
Research, innovation, and intermediary support for community development.

The Need for a JET Funding Platform

There is a significant funding gap for JET projects, particularly for smaller-scale initiatives and capacity-building efforts. Current local grant sources have not been fully programmed for JET objectives, despite the pressing climate finance needs. The JET Funding Platform aims to bridge this gap. As the JET IP outlines a combination of large-scale projects funded through concessional debt and smaller projects requiring grants, this platform becomes an essential tool for mobilising diverse sources of finance.

Who and How to Apply for JET Grant Funding

Eligible beneficiaries include government entities, private sector companies, NGOs, and CBOs. Detailed instructions on applying for funding can be found in our Application Portal. The portal includes details on the process for project submission, due diligence, and recommendation before being made visible to potential funders.

Project Assessment Guidelines

JET Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC)

Transition Enabling Outcomes

Community Empowerment and Ownership

Transformational Outcomes

Impact and Sustainability

Governance and Compliance

Criteria for Evaluating Projects

Our evaluation framework considers a range of factors, including:

Alignment with the Just Energy Transition objectives

Project sustainability and potential for long-term impact

Technical and financial feasibility

Capacity to contribute to social and economic development, particularly in vulnerable communities

Potential for scalability and replication

Resources for Potential Beneficiaries and Grant Funders

Transformational Outcomes

Access key registers and databases with up-to-date listings of grants, funders, and eligibility requirements to support your funding search and application process.

Database of JET FP Grant Funders

A database of JET FP Grant Funders, showcasing funders supporting JET initiatives.

Database of JET FP Implementing Agents

The database of JET FP Implementing Agents includes a directory of credible organisations that work to implement JET-related projects.

A Register of JET FP Projects will allow beneficiaries to register their projects directly. Funders can access this project pipeline and engage with the PMU for more details.

JET FP Advisory Committee

The JET FP is supported by an expert Advisory Committee, offering strategic advice on key focus areas. While not a decision-making body, it reviews quarterly progress reports and JET Projects updates.

JET FP Advisory Committee Members

The JET Funding Platform is supported by an Advisory Committee consisting of experts from various sectors. While the committee provides strategic advice on the platform’s focus areas, it holds no decision-making powers. The committee reviews quarterly progress reports and updates on JET projects.