by Brianna Crandall — October 10, 2012—A new program to help small and medium-sized businesses implement new energy-efficient technologies took effect in Germany on October 1. Cost-efficient reduction of energy consumption and smart management of the energy supply are obviously priorities for Germany, which already generates more than 20 percent of its electricity supply from renewable sources and recently passed the level of 30 gigawatts (GWp) of solar installations, reportedly making it the first country in the world to reach this level of photovoltaic capacity.
“Energy efficiency and energy management are two sides of the same coin. With this new initiative, Germany is creating a win-win situation by tackling tomorrow’s energy challenges and supporting small businesses,” stated Heiko Staubitz, energy efficiency and smart grid expert at Germany Trade & Invest in Berlin.
Any company in Germany with less than 500 employees and annual revenue below EUR 100 million can apply for grants, says the agency. These can be used to swap out aging motors and pumps, capture lost heat, or implement large-scale plans to increase energy efficiency. The cap per company is set at EUR 100,000. The application window is open between October 1, 2012 and December 31, 2015.
“This measure further strengthens Germany’s commitment to clean, affordable energy. Companies from all over the world come here with innovative energy technologies because they know the political support is unwavering. That makes our business environment incredibly unique,” continued Staubitz.
Germany Trade & Invest is the foreign trade and inward investment promotion agency of the Federal Republic of Germany. The organization advises foreign companies looking to expand their business activities in the German market, and it provides information on foreign trade to German companies that seek to enter foreign markets.
