Funding within the framework of the GRW special program "Acceleration of the Transformation in the East German Refinery Locations and Ports"
Special program of the joint task "Improvement of the regional economic structure" (GRW) to promote investments, infrastructure, and transformation projects at the East German refinery sites Schwedt, Leuna, and neighboring ports. Grants of up to 45% for companies, up to 90% for infrastructure. Applications accepted until 31.12.2032.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
The GRW special program supports the west-east transformation of the refinery sites in Schwedt and Leuna as well as selected ports in Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, and Saxony-Anhalt through grants for commercial investments, infrastructure measures, and other location attractiveness projects. The goal is the diversification of production, modernization of infrastructure, creation and securing of jobs, and acceleration of climate neutrality.
Eligible expenses
- Acquisition and production costs for buildings, facilities, and machinery
- Planning and ancillary construction costs
- Costs for port infrastructure and dredging
- Non-investive measures to enhance site attractiveness
Non-eligible expenses
- Land acquisition (except in exceptional cases)
- Ongoing operating costs
- Value-added tax, if deductible as input tax
Eligible to apply
- Public Institutions
- Companies
Funding requirements
- Investment projects in the designated funding areas
- Application before the start of the project
- Compliance with state aid regulatory framework
- Minimum equity contribution of 25%
Documents required for application
- Application for GRW Special Program
- Integrated Development Concept/Project Description
- Financing Plan
- Offers and Cost Evidence
Evaluation criteria
- Contribution to transformation and climate neutrality
- Significant regional value creation and employment effects
- Innovative content of the investment
- Improvement of infrastructure and location attractiveness
Description
The GRW special program "Acceleration of the Transformation in the East German Refinery Locations and Ports" specifically supports investments, infrastructure projects, and location attractiveness measures in Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, and Saxony-Anhalt. Eligible applicants are commercial enterprises of all sizes as well as public entities that implement their projects in the designated C-funding areas of Schwedt, Leuna, and neighboring ports. Investment projects in machinery, equipment, and buildings are supported with grants of up to 45%, while infrastructure measures – ranging from port facilities to transport and energy supply networks as well as commercial and industrial areas – are subsidized with up to 90%. The program is complemented by non-investive services such as integrated development concepts, regional management, and networking initiatives that strengthen regional public services and secure skilled labor. The funding period is up to 36 months; applications can be submitted until December 31, 2032.
Only projects with clearly measurable regional economic effects are funded: increasing permanent jobs, diversifying production, or modernizing towards climate neutrality. A minimum equity contribution of 25% must be provided. In addition to classic grants, interest subsidies and guarantees may also be utilized. The concrete allocation is carried out by the federal states in compliance with state aid regulations and in coordinated exchange with the federal government. Recipients receive comprehensive advice on application and implementation, while evaluation mechanisms and transparency requirements ensure impact-oriented management. The special program thus provides an important impetus for the future viability of structurally weak locations in East Germany.
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