Funding for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Use in Municipalities (Municipal Guideline (Energy))

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Who is funded

The Municipal Guideline for Energy Hesse supports Hessian municipalities, their associations, and municipal special-purpose associations. They can receive grants for measures related to the energy-efficient modernization of municipal non-residential and administrative buildings, as well as for increasing energy efficiency and using renewable energies. Under certain conditions, funds can also be passed on to non-municipal entities if they take over municipal tasks. The program aims to achieve the climate protection goals of the Hessian Energy Act and support municipalities in the energy transition.

What is funded

The Municipal Guideline for Energy promotes a wide range of measures for the energy-efficient modernization of municipal non-residential and administrative buildings, including new constructions with high energy standards, as well as innovative pilot and demonstration projects. Eligible for funding are investment measures for energy efficiency and the use of renewable energies, as well as associated consulting, planning, and ancillary services. Non-eligible expenses include, among others, land acquisition and premature planning work. The measures must meet certain quality levels and minimum standards depending on the funding area.

Type and Scope of Funding

The Municipal Guideline for Energy provides non-repayable grants. The amount of funding varies depending on the type and quality level of the measure. It ranges from 30% to 75% of eligible expenses for modernizations and as fixed amounts per square meter for new constructions, limited to 20% of the total investment. There are minimum investment sums for the projects, and funding can be combined with other programs, with double funding excluded.

Conditions and Requirements

The funding is tied to various conditions, including ensuring overall financing, compliance with principles of economic efficiency and procurement regulations, as well as special state aid rules, particularly the De minimis Regulation. There are also specific technical requirements and reporting obligations for funded projects. The start of measures must not precede the legally effective grant approval.

Application Process

The application process for the Municipal Guideline for Energy involves submitting extensive documents to the Wirtschafts- und Infrastrukturbank Hessen (WIBank). Approval is granted after reviewing the funding requirements. If funds are limited, the receipt of a ready-for-approval application determines the funding. Additional funding may be granted if the applicant municipality fulfills the climate protection commitments of the "Hessen aktiv: Die Klima-Kommunen" alliance. Procurement procedures and project documentation are strictly regulated.

Legal Basis

The Municipal Guideline for Energy is based on the Hessian Energy Act and is established through specific guidelines of the State of Hesse. Its implementation is subject to various state and EU legal provisions that regulate the granting, disbursement, and auditing of subsidies. The relevant texts are publicly accessible, for example, in the Official Gazette of the State of Hesse and on the website of Wirtschafts- und Infrastrukturbank Hessen.