EPIC Deploy - Official Webinar Launch

Date: 21 July 2026 

Time: 10:00 CET 

Format: Online

Language: English

Register

 

With 1.1 billion people lacking access to cooling and demand rising sharply, sustainable cooling has become essential for public health, economic resilience, and climate action. Without urgent intervention, inefficient systems will drive emissions higher, while cold-chain losses continue to undermine agri-food, logistics, and trade sectors.

 

EPIC Deploy, promoted by the Italian Ministry for the Environment and Energy Security (MASE) in partnership with UNEP, translates international commitments into tangible action. The initiative finances innovative pilot projects in five priority countries—Brazil, Morocco, Tunisia, Kenya, and Ethiopia—focusing on industry and the cold chain.

 

MASE and UNEP are pleased to announce the official launch of the first Call for Proposals. This webinar will provide a comprehensive overview of participation modalities, eligibility criteria, and selection processes, while offering a direct engagement opportunity with the promoting institutions.

 

The webinar supports delivery of the Global Cooling Pledge, the world’s first collective commitment to reduce cooling-related emissions by at least 68% by 2050. Italy was among the countries that reinforced this agenda through the 2024 G7 Turin Communiqué. Through EPIC Deploy, MASE and UNEP are working to close the implementation gap, mobilise investment and accelerate sustainable cooling solutions worldwide.

 

 

Target countries

• Kenya, Morocco, Tunisia, Ethiopia and Brazil.

Sectors

• Tertiary sector 
  • With particular attention to hospitals, universities, public buildings: solutions to enhance energy efficiency, comfort and resilience.
• Industrial sector and cold chain 
  • With particular attention to port infrastructure and food-chain logistics: solutions to reduce food loss, improve efficiency and cut emissions.

Who can apply?

• International consortia comprising public, private and/or research entities.

Budget & co-funding

• Minimum total project budget of $200,000, with a recommended maximum budget of $1.2 million.
• Minimum co-funding (from applicants or partners): 20% of total budget