Renewable Energy, Energy Conservation and Efficiency

The funding program of the German Federal Environmental Foundation supports innovative and exemplary projects for the energy transition in Germany. The focus is on measures for the development and exemplary testing of renewable energies, increasing energy efficiency, and optimizing the overall system while considering environmental compatibility, social compatibility, and digitalization. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), research institutions, and non-profit organizations receive grants for personnel expenses, material costs, external services, and travel expenses. Investment cost subsidies for photovoltaic systems, heat pumps, charging stations, or small wind turbines are not funded. With a continuous application procedure, interested parties can submit a funding application at any time and expect a quick funding decision. Selection is based on innovation potential, exemplary character and transferability, environmental and climate protection impact, as well as economic feasibility.

In an interdisciplinary selection process, projects with particular practical relevance are chosen. Funding is provided, among others, for the optimization of existing biomass utilization plants, power-to-X technologies, demand-side management solutions, as well as energy-saving processes in industry, trade, and services. Cooperative projects between SMEs and research institutions are expressly encouraged. Applicants submit a project outline, project application, cost and financing plan, as well as CVs. The DBU supports the funded projects with expert advice and contributes to the dissemination of results through public relations. The goal is a climate-neutral energy supply by 2050, based on a mix of renewables, efficiency improvements, and interconnected digitalization, providing impulses for sustainable practical development.