Energy ERDF.Invest | SME

The funding program “SME Energy ERDF.Invest” of the Carinthian Economic Promotion Fund (KWF) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) supports small and medium-sized enterprises in Carinthia in investments in electricity storage systems and photovoltaic systems for self-supply with renewable energy. Only projects that install or expand a photovoltaic system together with an electricity storage system and consume at least 50% of the generated electricity themselves are eligible for funding. Eligible expenses include electricity storage, photovoltaic systems, and installation work, with a minimum project volume of EUR 50,000. The funding amount is up to 50% of eligible costs for small enterprises and 40% for medium-sized enterprises. Applications can be submitted via the KWF online portal between July 1 and December 31, 2026; the project duration must not exceed twelve months. Application requires membership in the Carinthian Chamber of Commerce and a stable economic situation.

Project evaluation is based on quantitative and qualitative criteria: pronounced net storage capacity, high self-consumption rate, and degree of innovation through an integrated energy management system secure top rankings. Also considered are the capacity of the photovoltaic system, company size, as well as ecological sustainability and gender mainstreaming. Accompanying documents to be uploaded include a project description, a questionnaire on horizontal principles, photo documentation, and all relevant materials. After a positive funding decision, a contract is drawn up, which is electronically signed and managed in the ATES 2021 system. The program’s goal is to strengthen the energy independence of Carinthian SMEs, increase their resilience to electricity price fluctuations, and promote sustainable competitiveness in the region.