Federal Model Project Company Revier

The federal model project Unternehmen Revier of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy supports innovative individual and joint projects in German lignite mining regions. In the regions of Brandenburg, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia, companies, educational institutions, and public bodies can apply for grants covering up to 90 percent of eligible expenses. With a maximum funding of 300,000 euros per individual project and 1.2 million euros for joint projects (max. 300,000 euros per applicant), model projects are supported that make a tangible contribution to structural change. The maximum duration is 48 months. Focus areas include regional development, smart cities & regions, agriculture & rural development, as well as digitalization. Within the framework of thematic idea and project competitions, regional partners together with the Ministry select the most convincing concepts.

Both investment and non-investment measures as well as personnel and material costs are eligible for funding. Requirements include a clearly defined model character, a comprehensible exploitation interest, and a registered office in the eligible mining region. To submit an application, a project outline, a regional investment concept, proof of the mining region location, and a presentation of concrete implementation prospects are necessary. Selection is based on criteria such as the degree of innovation, sustainability of exploitation possibilities, and interdisciplinary cooperation. Application deadlines are announced with the calls for the idea and project competitions. The aim of the project is to strengthen competitiveness, qualify skilled workers, and establish innovation management and competence networks locally to jointly shape the transformation in a future-oriented manner.