Promotion of energy-efficient local heating and cooling networks
Funding for the construction, expansion, or modernization of energy-efficient local heating and cooling networks in North Rhine-Westphalia. Co-financing up to 25% of eligible expenses, maximum funding €100,000. Applications possible until 30.06.2027.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Expansion, extension, and modernization of energy-efficient local heating and cooling networks, where the supplied heat or cooling originates from at least 50% renewable energies, 50% waste heat, 75% CHP plants, or a combination of these sources. The goal is CO₂ reduction and the supply of third parties with climate-friendly heat and cooling.
Eligible expenses
- Planning and construction costs for grid expansion and modernization
- Distribution network components
- Measures to increase energy efficiency in the grid
Non-eligible expenses
- Generation plants for heat and cold (excluding distribution network)
- Projects outside North Rhine-Westphalia
Eligible to apply
- Individuals
- Companies
- Cooperatives
- Foundations
- Interest Groups and Other Associations
- Non-profit Organizations
- Educational Institutions
- Public Institutions
Funding requirements
- Projects within North Rhine-Westphalia
- Online application form
- Detailed project description
- Technical documentation of network parameters
Documents required for application
- Detailed project description
- Cost estimates/quotes
- Proof of technical specifications (CO₂ emissions, primary energy factor)
- progres.nrw guideline – climate protection technology
Evaluation criteria
- Share of renewable energies/waste heat/CHP in the grid
- CO₂ emissions and primary energy factor
- Completeness and quality of the project description
Description
The promotion of energy-efficient local heating and cooling networks in North Rhine-Westphalia is aimed at municipalities, companies, cooperatives, condominium owners' associations, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and public bodies. Funding is provided for the construction, expansion, or modernization of distribution networks that source at least 50% of their heat or cooling from renewable energies or waste heat, or 75% from combined heat and power (CHP). Combinations of these sources are also permitted. The grant is awarded as co-financing and covers up to 25% of eligible expenses, with a maximum of €100,000. Generation plants outside the distribution network or projects outside North Rhine-Westphalia are not eligible. Project descriptions, cost estimates, proof of CO₂ emissions and primary energy factor, as well as the progres.nrw – Climate Protection Technology guideline, must be submitted via an online application form and technical documentation. Selection is then based on the share of renewable sources, CO₂ reduction, and completeness of the documents. Applications are possible until June 30, 2027, as long as budget funds are available.
With this funding call, the state of NRW supports decentralized, climate-friendly heat and cooling supply for third parties and improves energy efficiency at the neighborhood level. The measure makes a direct contribution to CO₂ reduction and enables municipal and private network operators to supply third parties with climate-friendly heat or cooling. Within the procedure, transparent publication of network parameters in the Energieatlas.NRW ensures traceability. After positive approval, contracts may only be awarded once the grant notification has been received. The grant is paid out after completion and proof of use. Interested parties can learn more about the funding program of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia directly by phone via the NRW Service Center from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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