+++ Energy consulting blog series (part 3) +++ Many industries depend on process heat, whether they are in metal processing, food production or the chemical industry. It is still mainly generated using fossil fuels and is responsible for a large proportion of CO2 emissions in the industrial sector. However, alternatives have been available for some time. The switch to renewable energy sources such as solar collectors, heat pumps or biomass is financially supported by attractive funding programmes. An important funding opportunity is offered by the German Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control ('BAFA') with module 2 of the Federal Funding for Energy and Resource Efficiency in Industry ('EEW').
The BAFA module 2 (or EEW module 2) provides financial support to companies converting to renewable energies for the generation or provision of process heat. Funding is available for investments in technologies such as:
Solar collector systems for heat generation from solar radiation (solar thermal energy)
Systems for the combustion of solid biomass
Heat pumps
Combined heat and power (CHP) plants for the generation and supply of heat and electrical energy from solid plant biomass, solar radiation or geothermal energy
Waste heat utilisation from renewable sources
The funding is provided in the form of non-repayable grants, which enable companies to significantly reduce their investment costs.
Who can apply for funding?
The following are entitled to apply:
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
Large companies (non-SMEs)
A key criteria is that more than 50% of the energy provided by the funded plant is used as process heat.
Amount of funding
The funding amount depends on the technology chosen and the investment costs. The following generally applies:
Up to 60% of the investment costs for small companies
Up to 50% for medium-sized companies
Up to 40% for large companies
The maximum funding is 20 millioneuros per project.
The planned technologies must meet specific requirements in order to be eligible for funding. Our energy consultants will help you assess eligibility and support you from the application to the verification process. The steps to take to receive funding are as follows:
Applying for funding: Online applications can be submitted via the BAFA portal at any time before the measure begins.
Checking the application: BAFA assesses the application and issues a funding approval.
Implementing the project: Once approved, the project can be implemented.
Verification: After completion of the project, verification must be submitted online.
Payment: After successful verification of the proof of use, BAFA pays out the funding.
Conclusion
With the BAFA module 2, companies have the opportunity to reduce their energy costs, reduce CO2 emissions and remain competitive in the long term. The funding makes investing in renewable process heat not only ecologically but also economically attractive. Now is the ideal time to switch to sustainable technologies! Our experts in energy consulting will be happy to help you – contact us for a non-binding consultation.
Text: Mathias Wendt
Did you enjoy this article?
If you liked the article, share it with your friends and colleagues on social media or by email.
Do you want to learn more about this topic? Schedule a meeting with an expert.
I have been working at EurA AG for almost ten years and advise companies from idea generation, networking and project conception to the application and handling of national and international R&D projects. I studied energy technology and have been leading the "ICT & Energy" project team since 2019. In the team, we follow a holistic approach. This means that, based on the R&D roadmap of our customers, our goal is to identify the ideal funding programmes and develop the projects together. The client is at the centre of our long-term and sustainable consulting approach. As a BAFA-listed energy consultant, I also support companies in the areas of energy efficiency and investments in energy-efficient systems and processes.
“Climate-neutral by 2035”, “Net Zero by 2040” — claims about future climate commitments like these are central to many sustainability strategies and ...
At the ESA Ministerial 2025, ESA member states set the course for European space and innovation policy in the coming years. The member states pledged ...
Can companies still market a flight, a delivery or a product as “climate-neutral” if they purchase carbon credits to do so? From 27 September 2026, ...
EurA AG
T- 079619256-0Max-Eyth-Straße 2
73479 Ellwangen
info@eura-ag.com