Special Fund Citizen Energy (Citizen Energy Fund)
Interest-free, conditionally repayable grant for the planning and start-up phase of citizen energy projects in Schleswig-Holstein. Funding amount up to €200,000 per project. Minimum total expenditure €10,000. Applications must be submitted before the project starts.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Support for regional civic participation in the energy transition by promoting preparatory measures in the planning and start-up phase of citizen energy projects for the implementation of renewable heat, new mobility, renewable electricity generation, energy efficiency in buildings and neighborhoods, as well as digitalization in the energy sector.
Eligible expenses
- Feasibility studies
- Site analyses
- Expert reports for land-use planning
- Cost-effectiveness calculations
- Environmental impact assessments
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Non-eligible expenses
- Approval fees
- Investments in tangible assets
- Acquisition of electric vehicles
- Costs for catering/entertainment
- Own contributions
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Eligible to apply
- Individuals
- Public Institutions
- Interest Groups and Other Associations
Funding requirements
- Consortium of at least seven natural persons
- Residence of seven persons in the project area
- Majority vote among natural persons
- Written agreement with a concrete project description
- Project must not be fully financed or implemented yet
Documents required for application
- Project description
- Financing plan
- Agreement on cooperation
- Registration certificates
- De-minimis declaration
- Project outline attachment
- Confirmation from municipal stakeholders
Evaluation criteria
- Contribution to greenhouse gas reduction
- Level of regional citizen participation
- Economic feasibility
Description
Special Fund Bürgerenergie.SH supports committed groups consisting of at least seven natural persons with their primary residence in the respective municipal area, as well as optionally involved municipalities and legal entities. The aim is to promote preparatory measures to strengthen regional citizen participation in the energy transition and to cover financing needs in early project phases. Projects from the areas of renewable heat, new mobility, renewable electricity generation, energy efficiency in buildings and neighborhoods, as well as digitalization in the energy sector are supported. Funding is provided as an interest-free, conditionally repayable grant of up to €200,000 per project and covers 100% of the documented eligible expenses. Applications can be submitted at any time before the project start to the Investment Bank Schleswig-Holstein.
Among others, feasibility studies, site analyses, expert reports on land-use planning, profitability calculations, environmental impact assessments, legal and tax consulting services, as well as public relations and citizen participation measures (up to €25,000 per project) are funded. Non-eligible are approval fees, investments in fixed assets, procurement of electric vehicles, catering and administrative costs, as well as in-kind contributions. The grant must be repaid once the overall project is fully financed; in case of failure, repayment may be waived. The IB.SH Energy Agency advises interested parties on the application process and supports the funding procedure. This funding measure facilitates initial steps in the planning and start-up phase of civic energy projects and reduces financial risks to pave the way for climate-friendly and locally anchored energy initiatives.
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