STARK – Strengthening the Dynamics of Transformation and Renewal in the Coal Regions and at Coal Power Plant Sites
Federal funding program to support and network municipalities, companies, research institutions, and civil society actors in the German coal regions in the ecologically, economically, and socially sustainable transformation. Funding categories 1–12. Duration until 31.12.2038.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Support for projects that promote the transformation process towards an ecologically, economically, and socially sustainable economic structure in coal regions and serve as model regions for climate protection.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel expenses
- Travel expenses
- Material expenses (materials, consumables)
- Consulting fees
- Capital expenditures (items and investments)
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Non-eligible expenses
- Acquisition of real estate
- Retroactive costs
- Debt settlement
Eligible to apply
- Public Institutions
- Companies
- Non-profit Organizations
- Educational Institutions
- Interest Groups and Other Associations
Funding requirements
- Registered office and operations in an eligible coal mining region according to InvKG
- Project start only after approval (exception: separate application for early commencement of measures)
- Proof of regional state participation (state's vote)
- No implementation before application submission
Documents required for application
- Project description
- Financing plan
- State approval/opinion of the federal state
- Activity and job description
- Job qualification and CV
- Award documents (offers)
- De minimis declaration (if relevant)
Evaluation criteria
- Contribution to regional transformation
- Innovative content of the project
- Sustainability aspects
- Involvement of local stakeholders
- Economic viability
Description
STARK – Strengthening the Dynamics of Transformation and Renewal in the Coal Regions and at Coal Power Plant Sites is a federal funding program that supports municipalities, districts, companies, research institutions, and civil society actors in eight German coal regions. The goal is to promote an ecologically, economically, and socially sustainable economic structure in the context of coal phase-out. Eligible applicants include public institutions, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, interest groups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as other associations and organizations. Measures can be applied for in twelve funding categories – ranging from networking and consulting to vocational training and transformation technologies – covering project-related personnel expenses, rents, capital expenditures, and consulting costs. The funding rate is up to 90% of eligible expenses, the duration can be up to 48 months, and the total volume per project is determined individually. Participation by the respective federal state is mandatory, as is early coordination with the responsible local authorities.
The program follows a holistic approach: it links knowledge and technology transfer, energy efficiency, and climate protection with regional innovation promotion and social cohesion. In particular, model projects are supported that serve as beacons for sustainable structural development and provide impulses for smart cities and rural development. Applications can be submitted continuously until 31.12.2038. The application is made electronically via the Easy-Online portal, supplemented by project-specific documents such as project description, financing plan, and state endorsement. With STARK, structural change in the coal regions is to be purposefully advanced and become an internationally visible example of carbon-neutral transformation.
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