Funding Guideline Energy and Climate – Adaptation to the Consequences of Climate Change Open
The Energy and Climate Funding Guideline (FRL EuK/2023) of the Free State of Saxony is a comprehensive program that supports measures for adaptation to climate change, increased energy efficiency, and application-oriented energy and climate research. Funded by the ERDF and JTF, it aims to strengthen Saxony on its path to a climate-neutral economy and increase climate resilience, enabling both investment and non-investment projects for a wide range of stakeholders.
Who is Funded: Target Groups and Geographical Scope
This guideline targets a wide range of applicants, including municipal authorities, businesses (especially SMEs), non-profit organizations, research institutions, and in specific cases, private individuals. Funding primarily focuses on projects within the Free State of Saxony, with special geographical areas applying to the Just Transition Fund (JTF) in the districts of Görlitz, Bautzen, Nordsachsen, Leipzig, and the independent cities of Leipzig and Chemnitz.
What is Funded: Measures and Project Phases
The funding covers a wide range of investment and non-investment measures in the areas of energy efficiency, climate adaptation, applied energy and climate research, and sustainable energy supply. This includes construction measures, rainwater retention, infrastructure adaptations, integrated climate management concepts, research and development projects, as well as the expansion of renewable energies and energy infrastructure. Costs for the operation of the investment or land acquisition above certain limits are generally not eligible for funding.
Type and Scope of Funding
Funding is generally provided as a grant in the form of co-financing, with funding rates varying depending on the funding area and specific criteria, usually between 50% and 100% of eligible expenses. There are fixed minimum and in some cases maximum limits for the amount of funding per project.
Conditions and Requirements
The funding guideline sets out specific conditions for applicants and projects, ranging from legal bases to cooperation obligations and budget restrictions. Special attention is paid to ensuring financing, compliance with state aid rules, and the strategic relevance of the projects for the energy and climate goals of the Free State of Saxony.
Application Procedure
Applications for funding from the Energy and Climate Guideline must be submitted via the funding portal of Sächsische Aufbaubank (SAB). Project selection often occurs through a call procedure, where project outlines are evaluated by expert committees according to transparent evaluation systems before formal applications are requested. The disbursement of grants follows the reimbursement principle.
Legal Basis of the Funding Program
The funding program is based on the Guideline of the Saxon State Ministry for Energy, Climate Protection, Environment and Agriculture on the Granting of Funding for Measures to Master the Energy Transition, Climate Protection, and Climate Adaptation in the Free State of Saxony (Funding Guideline Energy and Climate – FRL EuK/2023). This guideline, dated July 4, 2023, implements the programs of the Free State of Saxony for the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Just Transition Fund (JTF) for the funding period 2021–2027.
Funding Overview
Maximum Amount:
2.500.000 €
Deadline:
always open
Open Until:
31.12.2027
Award Channel:
Framework Programme Call
Region:
Saxony (Germany), specifically in the districts of Görlitz, Bautzen, Nordsachsen, Leipzig, and the independent cities of Leipzig and Chemnitz for JTF projects
Sectors:
Energy Production and Supply, Renewable Energy, Water and Waste Management, Information and Communication Technology, Green Technology, Research and Development, Service Sector, Environmental and Climate Protection, Social Enterprises, Other
Beneficiaries:
Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energies, Infrastructure, Smart Cities & Regions, Environmental & Nature Protection, Climate Protection, Climate Adaptation, Energy Supply
Funding Stages:
Applied Research, Experimental Development, Feasibility Study, Prototyping, Pilot Testing, Product Development, Process Optimization, Implementation, Infrastructure, Capacity Building, Planning, Policy Development, Evaluation, Other
Funding Provider
Program Level: Regional
Funding Body: Saxon State Ministry for Energy, Climate Protection, Environment and Agriculture (SMEKUL)
Managed By: Sächsische Aufbaubank – Förderbank – (SAB)
Additional Partners: Saxon Energy Agency GmbH (SAENA), State Office for Environment, Agriculture and Geology (LfULG), Just Transition Fund Unit (JTF)