Subsidies for energy-efficient refrigeration and air conditioning systems until the end of 2026

Companies and municipalities can apply for federal subsidies for energy-efficient refrigeration and air conditioning systems until December 31, 2026. After approval, there are two years to implement the project.

The funding program for energy-efficient refrigeration and air conditioning technology under the National Climate Protection Initiative (Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Directive) is entering its final phase, as pointed out by, among others, the Baden-Württemberg Chamber of Skilled Crafts. Applications under the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Directive can only be submitted until December 31, 2026. The funding program will not be extended. It amounts to up to €200.000 per project and a maximum of 50 percent of the eligible expenses.

Funding is provided for, among other things,

✔️ New and replacement installations of stationary refrigeration and air conditioning systems, 

✔️ New and replacement installations of cooling systems

✔️ as well as heat pumps for waste heat recovery. 

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The refrigeration and air conditioning directive stipulates, among other things, the use of non-halogenated refrigerants such as CO₂, ammonia, or propane . According to the Federal Ministry for the Environment, modern systems often achieve energy savings of 30 to 40 percent compared to older, existing systems.

In addition to the actual refrigeration or air conditioning system, further components may be eligible for funding depending on the type of system, as Handwerk BW points out. These include, for example, storage tanks, air coolers and recoolers, brine lines, or the integration of renewable energies.

The funding is not aimed at private individuals, but at companies and municipalities, among others.

Those eligible to apply include, among others:

• Company
• municipalities
• Hospitals
• Universities and schools
• non-profit organizations
• church institutions

Applications can only be submitted electronically using the electronic form "Application for funding of refrigeration and air conditioning systems" provided by the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) . According to the information sheet , contracts may only be awarded after receipt of the grant notification.

After receiving the grant notification, the approved measures can be implemented within two years.

Source: BAFA; Crafts Baden-Württemberg

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