Berlin Program for Sustainable Development (BENE 2) – Funding Priority 3: Intelligent Energy Systems, Grids, and Storage Systems
Supports investment measures and application-oriented research in the field of intelligent energy systems, grids, and storage systems in Berlin.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
The State of Berlin supports innovative investment projects and studies that contribute to the optimization, flexibilization, and expansion of existing energy infrastructures. The goal is to promote climate-friendly and sustainable energy systems by integrating renewable energies and reducing CO2 emissions.
Eligible expenses
- Investments
- Material costs
- Planning services
- Land acquisition
Non-eligible expenses
- Expenses for office supplies
- Rents and leases
- Expenses for insurance and interest
- Expenses for training and further education
- Legal and tax consulting
Eligible to apply
- Public Institutions
- Companies
- Non-profit Organizations
- Educational Institutions
Funding requirements
- Permanent establishment or branch in Berlin
- Implementation of the project in the state of Berlin
- Proof of eligible total expenditures of at least €50,000 for investment projects
- Natural persons are excluded (except self-employed individuals)
Documents required for application
- Project description
- Feasibility analysis / study
- Financing plan
- Energy balances
Evaluation criteria
- Reduction of GHG emissions
- Optimization and expansion of energy infrastructure
- Integration of renewable energies
- Degree of innovation and digitalization
Description
The Berlin Program for Sustainable Development (BENE 2) within Funding Priority 3 supports innovative projects in the field of intelligent energy systems, grids, and storage systems in Berlin. The funding is aimed at public institutions, non-profit organizations, companies, and research institutions that have an establishment or branch in the capital. With a grant rate that can amount to up to 75% – in exceptional cases up to 90% – of eligible expenses depending on the project, the program offers financial support for investment measures starting from a minimum volume of €50,000 as well as for application-oriented research projects. The funding areas include digitalization, smart cities, infrastructure, and urban development, significantly contributing to increasing energy efficiency, integrating renewable energies, and reducing CO2 emissions.
The initiative focuses on optimizing and flexibilizing existing energy infrastructures. The funding promotes the interconnection of electricity, heat, gas, and mobility networks, with particular support for measures related to intelligent control, storage, and utilization of surplus electricity from renewable sources. Furthermore, Berlin-related studies and feasibility analyses are funded, which can serve as a basis for future investment projects. The application-oriented research aims to demonstrate innovative technologies at an advanced technology readiness level and to exploit the economic and ecological potentials of intelligently networked energy systems. Concepts for the preparation, accompaniment, and evaluation of investment projects are also supported to ensure a sustainable and climate-friendly energy supply in the capital.
The funding measure places special emphasis on the adaptation and modernization of the regional energy infrastructure. Through the use of digital applications and intelligent control systems, not only efficiency gains are achieved, but also pioneering approaches for cities and regions are created. The concrete funding of investments, material costs, planning services, and land acquisition enables beneficiaries to realize projects that would otherwise only be possible with significant delays or on a smaller scale without grant measures. Furthermore, the program supports the involvement of external experts and specialist offices to ensure a well-founded project selection and sustainable implementation. Overall, this initiative makes a decisive contribution to promoting climate-friendly technologies and supports the sustainable urban development of Berlin.