12/03/2023
Sources: Bafa, Frankfurter Rundschau , GIH (Bundesverband - Die Interessensvertretung für Energieberatende)
The Bafa has published a list of programs that have been stopped with immediate effect (for the time being). However, projects with funding commitments that have already been granted could still be pursued.
The following funding programs are currently paused:
- Federal funding for efficient heating networks ( BEW )
- Energy consulting for non-residential buildings, plants and systems ( EBN )
- Energy consulting for residential buildings ( EBW )
- Federal funding for energy and resource efficiency in the economy ( EEW )
- Heat Pump Start-up Program ( BAW )*
- Serial Refurbishment Funding Program
- Directive on the promotion of refrigeration and air conditioning systems with non-halogenated refrigerants in stationary and vehicle applications (Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Directive)
- Directive on the promotion of e-cargo bikes for bicycle-based freight transport in industry and municipalities (E-cargo bike directive)
- Support program "Citizens' Energy Companies" for onshore wind energy
Excluded from the application pause are the federal subsidy for efficient buildings ( BEG ) and the subsidy for the sale of electrically powered vehicles (environmental bonus).
The promotion for efficient buildings (BEG), from which the Heizungstausch staatlich unterstützt wird und der in den kommenden Wochen und Monaten eigentlich überarbeitet werden sollte. However, due to the ruling from Karlsruhe, this is also on the back burner. Also excluded is the E-Auto -Förderung.
Budget freeze: government paralyzes funded energy consulting
In addition to the federal funding for efficient heating networks (BEW) and energy efficiency in the economy (EEW), this also affects the funding programmes for energy consulting. Stefan Bolln, Federal Chairman of the Energy Consultants Association GIH, explains: "After the funding freezes last year and the months-long delay to the Building Energy Act (GEG), which has now been passed, over 15,000 energy consultants across Germany have to give their customers the next piece of bad news. The Energy Advice for Residential Buildings (EBN) and Business (EBW) programs have been suspended as of today. People from the private and commercial sectors who are interested in renovations will no longer receive subsidies for independent and cross-trade consultations.
Energy consultants and their clients have already been waiting for tens of thousands of funding approvals for their "individual renovation roadmaps" (iSFP) consultations from BAFA for over 6 months in some cases. If these are not approved either, the resentment and dissatisfaction with the policy will continue to grow. In addition, many energy consultants - especially new ones - are fighting for their livelihoods, as they are waiting for outstanding debts of tens of thousands of euros due to the very slow iSFP processing. It is a small ray of hope that the federal subsidy for efficient buildings (BEG) has been exempted from the budget freeze. However, even when implementing ambitious individual BEG measures, renovators will now receive less funding, as the "iSFP bonus" is likely to be frequently discontinued due to a lack of funding commitments. This can only be applied for if BEG efficiency measures that were developed as part of a holistic iSFP consultation are implemented.
Since the GEG requirements for new heating systems were significantly tightened in 2024, it is more than unwise to now cut off the subsidized assistance from independent energy consultants for owners. Experience also shows that, following consultations with property owners willing to renovate, more holistic and, above all, more extensive energy-efficient renovations are carried out.
The German government must now find a budgetary solution as quickly as possible in order to resume the funding programs in 2023 and ensure planning security next year. Otherwise, the government will lose the trust of energy advisors and those willing to renovate and may say goodbye to the goals it has set itself for the energy transition in the building sector."
Further information can be found at:
-> Bafa-Meldung
-> Frankfurter Rundschau
-> Start page - GIH Bundesverband
Accessibility
Language
