Funding Guideline Energy and Climate – Application-Oriented Energy and Climate Research

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Who is funded?

The Funding Guideline Energy and Climate in Saxony targets a wide range of applicants, including universities, research institutions, businesses of all sizes, municipal bodies, non-profit organizations, as well as associations and private individuals. Funding focuses on projects implemented in the Free State of Saxony, with specific JTF areas prioritized for sustainable energy supply measures. The goal is to support Saxony's and the EU's energy and climate policy objectives and to shape the transition to a climate-neutral economy.

What is funded?

The funding program covers a wide range of projects and activities targeting energy, climate, and the circular economy. This includes applied research, measures to increase energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gases, as well as climate change adaptation and investments in sustainable energy supply. Both direct and indirect expenses are eligible for funding, while certain cost categories such as VAT with input tax deduction or construction costs are excluded in some modules. Projects should cover different maturity levels, from validation at laboratory scale to demonstration under real operating conditions.

Type and Extent of Funding

The program provides grants as partial or fixed-amount financing, with funding levels and intensity varying depending on the funding area and applicant type. The maximum funding per project can be up to 2.5 million euros, with funding rates between 50% and 100% of eligible expenses. The project duration is limited to a maximum of 48 months.

Conditions and Requirements

Applicants must meet specific requirements, including adherence to technological progress criteria, ensuring the usability of research results for third parties, and participating in evaluations. Collaborations are explicitly permitted in many areas. When applying, the De minimis Regulation and the General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER) must be observed. There are detailed specifications for budget structure and the distinction between economic and non-economic activities.

Application Process

Applications for funding are submitted via the funding portal of Sächsische Aufbaubank – Förderbank – (SAB). The procedure may involve a regular application process or a preliminary call for proposals, where project outlines are evaluated. The selection of projects is made either by the approving authority itself or, especially for complex projects, by expert committees and the Saxon State Ministry for Energy, Climate Protection, Environment and Agriculture.

Legal Basis

The funding program is legitimized by the "Guideline of the Saxon State Ministry for Energy, Climate Protection, Environment and Agriculture on the Granting of Funding for Measures to Address the Energy Transition, Climate Protection and Climate Adaptation in the Free State of Saxony (Funding Guideline Energy and Climate – FRL EuK/2023)" of July 4, 2023. It is also subject to a number of EU and national laws, as well as specific aid regulations.