Program for encouraging innovations in the function of energy efficiency in industry 2024.

The primary objective of the Innovation Programme to Promote Energy Efficiency in Industry is to improve energy efficiency and/or increase the use of available renewable energy sources by micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the manufacturing sector through the introduction of innovative technologies.

The specific objectives, or expected outcomes three years after project completion, are:

• Improved business performance of MSMEs in the manufacturing sector through the introduction of digital solutions that contribute to more efficient energy management;
• Enhanced energy management by MSMEs in the manufacturing sector; and
• Strengthened staff capacities within MSMEs in the manufacturing sector in the areas of energy efficiency management and/or the use of renewable and clean energy sources.

Funding

• Total programme budget: EUR 2,300,000
• Minimum grant amount: EUR 50,000
• Maximum grant amount: EUR 200,000
• The maximum aid intensity is up to 80% of eligible project costs. The remaining co-financing must be provided by the applicant from its own resources.

Project duration

Selected projects must have an implementation period of at least 6 months and no more than 24 months.

Eligible activities

Each project must include activities under all three of the following components:

• Procurement and installation of equipment contributing to improved energy efficiency and/or the use of renewable and clean energy sources;
• Implementation of smart and digital solutions for monitoring energy consumption and optimising production processes through improved management of machinery and technical systems; and
• Capacity building for professional staff in energy management and energy consumption optimisation and/or the implementation of the EN ISO 50001 Energy Management Standard.

Ineligible activities

Programme funding may not be used for:

• Purchase of second-hand equipment;
• Purchase of passenger, freight or commercial vehicles;
• Rental of equipment, tools or materials; and
• Cash withdrawals from the project account.

Eligible costs

Eligible direct costs include:

• Salaries (gross salary II) of newly employed professionals engaged full-time in energy management;
• Costs of procuring and installing equipment, as well as implementing smart and digital solutions required for project implementation;
• Costs of adapting or reconstructing premises to provide suitable conditions for equipment procured under the project;
• Consultancy services for preparing technical documentation required for the reconstruction of premises;
• Costs of regular servicing and maintenance of equipment purchased under the project;
• Training costs for employees involved in energy management; and
• Value Added Tax (VAT), only where the Programme Beneficiary is not entitled to recover VAT.

Eligible indirect costs include:

• Facility maintenance costs;
• Utility and overhead costs;
• Equipment-related expenses; and
• Costs of minor equipment and supplies.

Decision-making process

The assessment and selection process consists of the following stages:

1. Administrative compliance check of project proposals;
2. Evaluation of project proposals against the selection criteria (two evaluation rounds); and
3. Adoption of the decision approving or rejecting projects for co-financing.

Duration of the Public Call

October – 11 November 2024.