BAFA Module 4: greenhouse gas savings in plants and processes

+++ Energy consulting blog series (part 5) +++ Optimising plants and processes in terms of energy and resource efficiency is a crucial step for companies to reduce costs and increase productivity while contributing to climate protection. The module ‘Energy and resource-related optimisation of plants and processes’ as part of the German funding programme ‘Energy Efficiency in Industry’ (EEW) offers both basic and premium funding for various measures. The funding is provided by the BAFA (German Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control). This article highlights the differences between basic and premium funding, shows the advantages and provides a concrete practical example.

What is funded in EEW module 4?

EEW or BAFA module 4 supports companies in making their plants and processes more energy and resource efficient. There are two funding levels:

1. Basic funding

• Electrically operated industrial trucks
• Injection moulding machines
• Optimisation measures for biogas plants
• Paint spray booths
• Water jet cutting systems
• Laser cutters
• Free-standing filter towers for decentralised process air treatment
• Electric ovens for food
• Machine tools
• Pellet presses and briquette presses
• Dishwashers
• Cinema projectors
• Hand-held electric welding equipment
• Refrigerated display cabinets for food
• Solarium

The advantage of the basic subsidy is that you do not have to create a comprehensive savings plan. To apply, you need a certificate from an energy efficiency expert that your energy consumption will be reduced by at least 15%.

2. Premium funding

• Process and procedure conversions
• Measures for the use of process waste heat
• Measures for increasing the energy and/or resource efficiency of systems for heat supply, cooling and ventilation, provided that these systems are clearly and predominantly used for processes for the manufacture, further processing or refinement of products
• Measures for the energy- and/or resource-efficient provision of process heat or cooling, for example, the use of energy-efficient heat and cooling generators and the optimisation of heat or cold storage
• Measures to avoid energy and/or resource losses in the production process, for example:

⇒ Measures that lead to the use of a renewable energy source instead of a fossil energy source
⇒ Measures to electrify processes

You can only use the premium funding if you create a comprehensive greenhouse gas emissions savings plan. The annual greenhouse gas emissions savings potential is determined by an energy efficiency expert. It must either be at least 30% or, depending on the size of the company, a certain amount of CO₂ must be saved.

Key points of the funding

The maximum funding for both components is 20 million euros. Regardless of the funding level chosen, companies benefit from attractive conditions:

Amount of funding

• Up to 15% of investment costs for small companies
• Up to 10% of investment costs for medium-sized companies

• Up to 45% of investment costs for small companies
• Up to 35% of investment costs for medium-sized companies
• Up to 25% of investment costs for large companies
  
  

Application

• Applications are submitted via the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA).
• To apply, a listed energy efficiency expert must prepare a certificate (basic funding) or a savings concept (premium funding).
• After the application has been submitted, the measure must be confirmed by an energy efficiency expert.
  
  

Practical example: resource optimisation in the food industry

A food processing company decided to optimise its processes in order to reduce energy consumption and improve resource utilisation. With the help of premium funding, an inefficient spiral freezer was replaced by an efficient freezer.

The investment costs amounted to 1,200,000 euros. The company received a grant of 300,000 euros through the premium funding. After implementing the measures, energy costs were reduced by 36%.

Benefits of energy and resource-related optimisation

• Cost reduction: savings in energy and resource costs.
• Competitive advantage: higher productivity and lower operating costs.
• Climate protection: reduction of CO₂ emissions through more efficient energy use.
• Future-proofing: companies become less dependent on rising energy prices and legal requirements.
  
  

Conclusion on BAFA Module 4

The basic and premium funding in the EEW module ‘Energy and resource-related optimisation of plants and processes’ offers companies ideal support for becoming more efficient, competitive and sustainable. While the basic funding enables quick and uncomplicated optimisations for SMEs, the premium funding addresses complex projects with high savings potential for companies of all sizes. Companies should take this opportunity to take their energy and resource efficiency to the next level. Contact our energy consultants for more information. EurA's energy efficiency experts create GHG reduction concepts, advise on funding and much more.

Text: Mathias Wendt