Grant

Federal Funding for Energy and Resource Efficiency in Industry (Grant) – Energy- and Resource-Related Optimization of Plants and Processes (Module 4 – Premium Funding)

Grant for companies to increase energy and resource efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in industrial and commercial processes (Module 4 – Premium funding). Applications possible until 12/31/2028.

Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energies Business Financing Climate Action Consulting

Discover your potential with AI support

  • Find out if this grant matches your project
  • Develop your application together with AI
  • Get matched with many more suitable grants

Grant criteria

Application Deadline:
25.01. - 31.12.2028
Application level: Advanced
Region: Germany (nationwide)
Company size: All company sizes
Funding amount: Maximum €20,000,000 per application
Funding rate: 25% - 45%

Funding objective

Promotion of measures in companies to optimize energy and resource requirements in facilities and processes, in order to increase energy and resource efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Eligible expenses

  • Investment costs for tangible and intangible assets
  • Procurement and installation of energy-efficient equipment and machinery
  • Measures for waste heat utilization
  • Development of energy-saving concepts
  • Electrification of processes

Non-eligible expenses

  • Operating costs
  • ongoing expenses
  • Structural measures (only in exceptional cases)

Eligible to apply

  • Companies

Funding requirements

  • Permanent establishment or branch in Germany
  • Application submission before the start of the measure
  • Proof of a savings concept with greenhouse gas reductions

Documents required for application

  1. Savings concept (BAFA form)
  2. Specialist contractor declaration
  3. Confirmation after implementation
  4. Declaration on contracting
  5. Waiver declaration
  6. De-minimis declaration
  7. Authorization to provide information
  8. Power of attorney

Evaluation criteria

  • Verifiable CO₂ reduction potential
  • Savings concept requirements
  • Economic efficiency of the measure

Description

The funding program supports companies nationwide in investment projects aimed at increasing energy and resource efficiency in industrial as well as commercial processes. The goal is to optimize energy and resource demand in facilities and production processes in order to sustainably reduce emissions. Funding is provided, among other things, for the acquisition and installation of energy-efficient machinery, measures for the utilization of waste heat, concept development for greenhouse gas reduction, as well as electrification projects. The funding rate ranges between 25% and 45% depending on the size of the applicants, with an additional decarbonization bonus for selected projects. Up to €20 million can be approved per application; investment costs for tangible and intangible assets are generally eligible, while ongoing operating costs and structural measures are excluded.

A business location or branch in Germany as well as application submission prior to the start of the measure are prerequisites. A well-founded savings concept including proof of the CO₂ reduction potential is mandatory. Additionally, documents such as specialist contractor declarations, confirmation after implementation, waiver declarations, de minimis declarations, and powers of attorney must be submitted. The economic viability of the planned measure is included in the evaluation. Applications can be submitted until 31.12.2028. The program offers a technology-neutral solution to sustainably and effectively increase operational energy and resource efficiency and to achieve climate protection targets.

Start application →

Ready to secure your funding?

Register now and let our AI guide you through the application process – from eligibility check to finished application.