Funding of projects for the strategic realignment of water quantity management and the climate impact-oriented expansion of water supply and usage infrastructures (Funding Guideline Climate Adaptation Water Management)
If you are planning projects aimed at the sustainable protection of water resources and the adaptation of water management to climate change, you may be eligible for a grant under certain conditions.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
The state of Lower Saxony supports projects with this funding program that aim for a targeted approach to the resource water in view of climate change. Funding is provided for basic work such as data collection, processing, and evaluation, the development of concepts, feasibility studies and planning, as well as investments in water management infrastructure to ensure sustainable management and protection of the water supply.
Eligible expenses
- Expenditures for basic research (e.g., data collection and processing)
- Costs for concept development and feasibility studies
- Investment costs in water management facilities and infrastructure
Non-eligible expenses
- Costs for projects outside Lower Saxony
- Expenditures in case of a legal obligation (e.g., compensation measures)
- Costs for measures that have already received funding from other programs
Eligible to apply
- Public Institutions
- Companies
Funding requirements
- Applicants must have their headquarters or place of business in Lower Saxony
- The project must serve sustainable water management and adaptation to climate change
- Eligible are projects in the areas of basic work, concept development, or investments in water management measures
Documents required for application
- Product information
- Application form
- Information sheet "Documents to be submitted"
- Proof of financing
- De-minimis declaration
Evaluation criteria
- Quality of the overall concept
- Innovative content of the project
- Water management benefits and effectiveness
- Efficient cost-benefit ratio
- Sustainability of the measure
Description
Funding Program for Innovative Water Management – The Lower Saxony funding program supports projects aimed at the strategic realignment of water quantity management and the climate impact-oriented expansion of water management infrastructures. It is targeted at municipal authorities, public-law institutions, and companies that wish to implement sustainable projects in the field of water supply and usage. By providing non-repayable grants ranging from 50% to 90% of eligible total costs (up to €300,000 for basic work and concept development and up to €500,000 for investments), innovative approaches are promoted that address the challenges of climate change and ensure the protection and sustainable management of water resources.
The funding covers various measures: basic work such as data collection and processing, the development of models or evaluation systems, and the preparation of procedural recommendations are supported. Likewise, the creation of cross-sectoral concepts, feasibility studies, and planning approaches that enable a holistic view of the water management situation are included in the funding. Furthermore, investments in facilities and infrastructure that promote the implementation of developed concepts can be subsidized. It is crucial that the projects promote the sustainable use of the water resource and serve adaptation to climatic changes. It is also important that the applicant’s registered office and service location are in the state of Lower Saxony to support a targeted regional development.
Applications must be submitted by post to the Investment and Development Bank of Lower Saxony (NBank) before the specified deadlines (July 31, 2025, or July 31, 2026). In addition to the application form, documents such as the product information, a guidance sheet on required documents, proof of financing, and – if applicable – the De-minimis declaration must be submitted. Funded projects are selected based on the quality of the overall concept, the degree of innovation, the water management benefits, and economic efficiency. This funding measure makes a significant contribution to securing and expanding water supply as well as adapting to the consequences of climate change in Lower Saxony, thereby ensuring sustainable water management in the long term.
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