15 million euros for medium-sized businesses: funding for future technologies!

15 million euros for medium-sized businesses: funding for future technologies!

The state government decided today to provide 15 million euros from the transformation fund as part of its strategy for the energy transition and climate protection. This serves to support investments in future technologies and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Economics Minister Jürgen Barke emphasizes the necessity of these measures, especially in view of the current challenges in the industry.

Technologies such as electrolysers, batteries, heat pumps, wind turbines and their key components are supported. The initiative is aimed particularly at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Saarland, although larger companies can also be supported as long as Saarland SMEs benefit from it. The funding rate is between 15 and 40 percent of the eligible costs, which can vary depending on the size of the company and the project. Co-financing from federal funds is also planned.

Examples of funding and investments

A concrete example of this funding is Purem by Eberspächer, which received around 2.6 million euros for the production of pressure vessels for electrolyzers. This project responds to the decline in the combustion engine business and focuses on the production of SOEC electrolysers. Purem also sources supplier services from regional SMEs, which underlines the importance of collaboration between large and small companies.

Minister Barke emphasizes that structural change can only be successfully achieved through the interaction between industry and medium-sized businesses. In addition to promoting future technologies, the gigabit bonus plus will also be extended. This program supports small and medium-sized companies with fiber optic connections, with the ministry covering up to 75 percent of the connection costs, up to a maximum of 100,000 euros. The budget for this is around one million euros and runs until the end of 2026 or until the funds are exhausted.

National context and future prospects

In parallel to the state initiatives, the federal government has adopted comprehensive plans for the Climate and Transformation Fund (KTF). This fund plays a crucial role in financing the energy transition and climate protection. The cabinet has approved the draft economic plan for 2024 and the financial plan until 2027. A total of around 211.8 billion euros is earmarked for the KTF by 2027.

The funding priorities for 2024 include, among other things, energy-efficient building renovations, the expansion of renewable energies and the promotion of electromobility. Program spending of around 57.6 billion euros is planned for 2024. The focus is on promoting buildings, electromobility and the development of a hydrogen economy, which further confirms the strategic focus on sustainable technologies.

Current developments at state and federal level illustrate the focus on promoting technology and creating sustainable jobs. These measures are essential to support structural change in industry and to ensure the competitiveness of German companies in international comparison.

For further information about the funding programs and the goals of the Climate and Transformation Fund, please visit the website Saarbrücken newspaper and the Federal Government.