Funding of consulting services for small wind energy systems

The funding supports companies, universities, research institutions, as well as cities, municipalities, districts, and their associations in North Rhine-Westphalia in the preparation of independent analyses and expert reports to determine the wind potential for small wind energy systems (max. 50 m height). The goal is to prepare investment measures for the construction or expansion of such systems. Eligible applicants are particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), private universities and research institutions, as well as municipal authorities, special-purpose associations, and interest groups. Prerequisites for the application include, among other things, the commissioning of qualified consultants in accordance with No. 1.4.14 of the funding guidelines, the submission of an entrepreneur’s declaration and a declaration regarding companies in difficulty, as well as a treasurer’s declaration. Expenses for external consulting services are funded if they are necessary, appropriate, and neutral.

The funding is provided as de minimis aid with a funding rate of up to 50% of eligible expenses. Small enterprises can increase their funding rate by up to 20 percentage points, and medium-sized enterprises by up to 10 percentage points within the framework of EU aid regulations. The maximum grant amount is €15,000. Applications are currently suspended. As soon as the funding program reopens, applications must be submitted digitally via the progres.nrw portal. A proof of use must be provided within six months after the completion of the measure. The Arnsberg District Government, as the approval authority, reviews the documents and reserves the right to conduct random checks. This advisory initiative aims to strengthen decentralized wind energy utilization and thus contribute to the energy transition in North Rhine-Westphalia.