Energy from the Countryside Open
The 'Energy from the Countryside' program offers low-interest loans for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) looking to invest in the generation, storage, and distribution of renewable energies. Landwirtschaftliche Rentenbank provides these loans to promote sustainable projects in rural areas and the agricultural and food industries.
Who is funded?
The "Energy from the Countryside" program by Landwirtschaftliche Rentenbank primarily targets small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) involved in the generation, storage, and distribution of renewable energies. Additionally, larger companies under aid-free conditions, as well as certain public and non-profit institutions in Germany, particularly in rural areas, can benefit from this funding. The aim is to support investments in sustainable energy projects and drive the transformation in the agricultural and energy sectors.
What is funded?
The program focuses on investments in facilities and infrastructure for the generation, storage, and distribution of renewable energies. This includes projects in bioenergy, photovoltaics, wind power, and other regenerative electricity and heat generation technologies, including the production of green hydrogen. Financial investments and debt restructuring are generally excluded.
Type and Scope of Funding
Funding is provided in the form of a low-interest loan. Up to 100% of the eligible investment costs can be financed, with a maximum amount of 10 million Euros per company per year. The program is limited until December 31, 2030.
Conditions and Requirements
Specific legal and administrative requirements apply to the application and receipt of funding. These include compliance with the SME definition for aid, the submission of a de minimis declaration, and adherence to cumulation rules and exclusion criteria. Clear guidelines also exist for consortia.
Application Procedure
The application procedure for the "Energy from the Countryside" program is carried out indirectly through the applicant's local bank. Before the start of the project, all required documents, including a de minimis aid declaration, must be submitted to the local bank, which then forwards the application to Landwirtschaftliche Rentenbank.
Legal Basis
The legal basis of the "Energy from the Countryside" funding program is formed by program conditions No. 255/256 and No. 265/301 from February 7, 2024. These are based on and in compliance with various national and European regulations, particularly the EU de minimis regulation and German laws for renewable energies.
Funding Overview
Maximum Amount:
10,000,000 €
Deadline:
always open
Open Until:
31.12.2030
Award Channel:
Demand Driven Scheme
Region:
Germany
Sectors:
Renewable Energy, Energy Production and Supply, Agriculture and Agribusiness, Other
Beneficiaries:
Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries; Agricultural & Food Industry; Energy Production
Funding Stages:
Implementation, Infrastructure
Funding Provider
Program Level: National
Funding Body: Landwirtschaftliche Rentenbank (LR)
Managed By: Landwirtschaftliche Rentenbank (LR), Local banks
Website: Landwirtschaftliche Rentenbank (LR)