Ground Power Directive: Alternative Technologies for Climate-Friendly Aircraft Ground Power Supply at Airports

This funding targets a broad range of applicants based in Germany who are committed to the climate- and environmentally friendly ground power supply at airports. This includes both investment projects in alternative systems and research and development projects in the field of pioneering technologies such as hydrogen and battery solutions. The funding objectives include the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the activation of an initial market for environmentally friendly aviation technologies.

The directive supports both investments in environmentally friendly ground power systems and research, development, and innovation projects in this area. Projects must contribute to decarbonizing the ground power supply for aircraft at airports. Specific technological solutions and project phases that contribute to achieving the environmental objectives are eligible for funding.

Funding is provided exclusively as a non-repayable grant. There are maximum amounts for investment projects and different funding rates for RDI projects, which depend on the type of company and the nature of the research. The duration of investment projects is generally limited to two years.

To receive funding, applicants must meet specific legal, financial, and project-related conditions. These include securing financing, demonstrating that the project has not started before the grant approval, and complying with state aid regulations. Additionally, certain useful lives for funded systems must be ensured, and reporting deadlines for changes must be observed.

The application procedure differs depending on the project type: one-stage for investment projects and two-stage for RDI projects. Calls for proposals define exact criteria and deadlines. Communication and application submission are carried out electronically via an application portal of the Federal Agency for Administrative Services (BAV), which is also responsible for approval.

The Ground Power Directive is authorized and governed by specific statutory and legal bases. The primary authorization is through the promulgation of the Directive itself. In addition, the Federal Budget Code (BHO), the EU's General Block Exemption Regulation (AGVO), and the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) are crucial for implementation and state aid compliance.