Save CO2 and money: the "decarbonisation in the industry" funding programme

In times of growing environmental awareness and pressure to achieve climate targets, industry plays a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK) has recognised that a comprehensive decarbonisation of industry is necessary in order to achieve the climate targets. This is why the "decarbonisation in the industry" funding programme was launched to promote innovation and support companies in switching to climate-friendly production facilities.

Challenges and goals

Industry is currently responsible for around 22 per cent of Germany's greenhouse gas emissions. Energy-intensive sectors such as steel, chemicals, cement and non-ferrous metals face a particular challenge when it comes to decarbonisation. However, they are crucial to achieving the statutory German climate targets for 2030 (65% greenhouse gas reduction compared to 1990) and the goal of climate neutrality by 2045. The "decarbonisation in the industry" funding programme is therefore of great importance in supporting energy-intensive industry on the path to greenhouse gas neutrality.

The path to climate-friendly industry

The BMWK has set itself the ambitious goal of creating an innovation dynamic for climate protection in industry so that companies can convert plants and produce in a climate-friendly way. Focussing on climate-neutral future markets should enable companies to create new value creation models and competitive advantages in the medium to long term, which in turn promotes economic growth and jobs. This requires a reliable framework, clear standards for climate-friendly products and funding instruments that support the development and use of new technologies.

Focus on the funding programme

The programme aims to promote projects in energy-intensive industry in order to reduce process-related greenhouse gas emissions that are difficult to avoid given the current state of technology. The funded projects are intended to serve as a model for other companies and contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in energy-intensive industry by 2.5 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalents per year by 2030.

How does the funding work?

Funding is provided in the form of grants for development and direct investment grants as part of a proportionate financing programme. The grants are limited to a maximum amount and are generally granted as non-repayable subsidies as part of project funding. Funding can be provided on a cost or expenditure basis, whereby an appropriate own contribution is required. The basis of assessment for the grants is the project-related eligible costs.

By consistently implementing such programmes, we can jointly pave the way towards a climate-neutral industry and thus make a significant contribution to global climate protection. We have successfully demonstrated this by receiving a seven-figure grant together with our customer from the ceramics industry.

Would you also like to invest in climate-friendly production and receive funding? Then get in touch with us.

✏️ Text: Elisabeth Pfeiffer