EAFRD 2023-2027: Rural Development - Renewable Energy Sources

The EAFRD program "Rural Development – Renewable Energy Sources" supports individual and cross-company projects in Vienna for the construction, expansion, and optimization of small-scale infrastructure in agriculture and rural areas. Investments are funded, for example, in biogas plants, photovoltaics, biomass heating plants, or the expansion of local/district heating networks. Applicants can be agricultural and forestry enterprises, municipalities, associations, and private individuals who submit an application before the project start and meet the requirements of the CAP Strategic Plan 2023–2027. The budget amounts to approximately €61.7 million, with the funding rate ranging between 50% and 80% depending on the project and cost type. Eligible expenses include investment and planning costs as well as material costs, while ongoing operating costs and financing costs are excluded.

For the selection of relevant measures, projects are evaluated based on their contribution to climate protection, energy efficiency, and biodiversity. Priority is given to initiatives with high impact potential, for example, in greenhouse gas reduction and resource conservation. Project description, cost plan, and expert reports must be submitted. Funding is provided within a blocked, partly point-based procedure until December 31, 2027; project start is possible from January 1, 2023. EAFRD thus strengthens competitiveness and supply security in rural areas and contributes to the energy transition.