The Energy Ministry is offering a second chance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and non-profit organisations to secure funding through the ‘Save – Upgrade’ scheme.
This initiative, backed by the EU Recovery and Resilience Plan, seeks to promote energy-saving investments with a total budget of €24 million.
Applications will open on a date yet to be announced by the ministry.
It is important to note that expenses incurred before an application is submitted will not be eligible.
All applications, along with the necessary documentation, must be submitted exclusively via the department of industry and technology’s online Grants Plan System here.
The ministry stated that, “Priority will be determined based on the order of submission and will be evaluated immediately.” For assistance, applicants can contact 17107.
The scheme targets energy savings of at least 35 per cent, focusing on projects such as improving building envelopes, installing advanced technical systems, as well as high-efficiency combined heat and power systems.
Other energy savings can be achieved through renewable energy systems, including storage batteries, as well as upgrades to production processes that enhance energy efficiency.
According to the ministry, “new or existing small and medium-sized enterprises in all economic sectors, as well as non-profit organisations not engaged in economic activity, are eligible to apply.”
However, it specified that entities on the scheme’s exclusion list, detailed in its annex, are not eligible.
Grants will cover up to 40 per cent of eligible costs, with an increased rate of 60 per cent available for non-profit organisations and SMEs investing in mountainous or disadvantaged areas.
The ministry specified that “the maximum amount of sponsorship that can be granted under the second call of the scheme is €300,000, depending on the type of investment chosen by each applicant.”
To qualify, applicants must consult a qualified expert or energy auditor who will confirm compliance with the scheme’s technical criteria.
“Interested parties can find out more about the sponsorship scheme, and also submit an application, through the website of the department of industry and technology, where the detailed guide to the scheme has been posted,” the ministry added.
This scheme is funded by NextGenerationEU, the EU’s temporary financing instrument designed to drive recovery and resilience in the aftermath of the pandemic.
