Grant

progres.nrw – Program for Rational Energy Use, Renewable Energies, and Energy Saving – Program Area Heating and Cooling Network Systems

Funding for the planning, construction, and optimization of heating and cooling network systems in North Rhine-Westphalia using renewable energies and efficient energy use. Applications can be submitted at any time.

Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energies Climate Action

Discover your potential with AI support

  • Find out if this grant matches your project
  • Develop your application together with AI
  • Get matched with many more suitable grants

Grant criteria

Application Deadline: Ongoing
Application level: Advanced
Region: North Rhine-Westphalia

Funding objective

Promotion of decentralized and centralized energy supply through the planning, construction, and optimization of heating and cooling network systems using renewable energies and highly efficient technologies to minimize energy consumption, reduce CO₂ emissions, and strengthen the local heating and cooling market infrastructure.

Eligible expenses

  • Planning and engineering services
  • Investments in pipelines and network technology
  • Plant engineering components

Eligible to apply

  • Public Institutions
  • Companies

Funding requirements

  • Project sponsors based in North Rhine-Westphalia
  • Operators of heating or cooling network systems

Documents required for application

  1. Project description
  2. Cost and financing plan
  3. Proof of operator of heating or cooling network systems

Evaluation criteria

  • Economic efficiency of grid expansion
  • Energy saving potential
  • Share of renewable energies in the grid

Description

The progres.nrw program supports the planning, construction, and optimization of heating and cooling network systems in North Rhine-Westphalia using renewable energies and efficient energy use. Public institutions and companies based in North Rhine-Westphalia can continuously apply for grants to modernize both central and decentralized energy supply structures. The goal is to minimize energy consumption, reduce CO₂ emissions, and sustainably strengthen the local infrastructure for heating and cooling. The continuous application option allows for flexible project implementation without fixed deadlines.

Funding is provided particularly for planning and engineering services, investments in pipelines and network technology, as well as technical system components. Municipalities, municipal utilities, housing companies, and other operators of heating or cooling network systems benefit from this financial aid to implement highly efficient technologies and increase the share of renewable energies in the network. Selection is based on demonstrated economic viability of the network expansion, energy-saving potential, and the share of renewable energies. A detailed project description, a cost and financing plan, and proof of operation of a heating or cooling network system are required. The program makes an important contribution to climate protection at the municipal level and supports stakeholders in designing sustainable energy infrastructures for the future.

Start application →

Ready to secure your funding?

Register now and let our AI guide you through the application process – from eligibility check to finished application.