The countdown has begun for the new business energy upgrade program “Saving – Doing business”, which with a budget of 176.75 million euros aims to strengthen the energy transition of the tertiary sector.
Specifically, the program concerns energy upgrading of buildings and non-building facilities of businesses that are active in the trade sector as well as services, catering, bakery and confectionery production, provided that they have a Greek VAT number and are active on the date of submission of the application for participation.
In addition, the beneficiaries of the program are the companies active in the tourism sector, as long as, according to the operating mark or the notification submitted, they have a capacity that does not exceed 200 beds.
Boost up to 65%
The aid rate for all eligible costs of investment projects reaches up to 65%, depending on the type of intervention (buildings and non-building facilities) and the size of the business. Although the exact amount of aid will be determined, taking into account the aid rate and the maximum budget of eligible costs.
Accordingly, the following applies to the subsidized budget (public expenditure and private participation, excluding VAT) of each investment proposal of a potential aid beneficiary:
- it cannot exceed the amount of 500,000 euros for the tourism sector.
- it cannot exceed the amount of 250,000 euros for the other branches
Businesses interested in assistance from the program will be able to submit a single funding application per VAT number. To join the program, it is necessary to submit an Energy Performance Certificate (PEA) and/or an Energy Audit Report, depending on the eligible interventions.
Eligible expenses
Beneficiary companies will receive support in order to implement interventions:
- energy upgrading of the building envelope, such as thermal insulation, installation of shading systems,
- energy upgrade of the lighting system, from new LED technology, installation of automations to reduce consumption due to the absence/presence of users,
- energy saving in space heating systems, such as replacing boilers with heat pumps,
- energy saving in space cooling systems, such as replacing coolers,
- energy saving in space ventilation systems,
- energy saving in domestic hot water systems,
- installation of Renewable Energy Sources systems, such as solar thermal systems,
- compensation system installation,
- installation of automation, control and management systems at local and central level,
- replacement of energy-consuming equipment related to the production process of the services provided (e.g. ovens, refrigerators)
Support services
In the framework of the program, supporting services are also financed at a rate of up to 7% of the eligible budget and with a maximum limit of 30,000 euros.
These include the following:
- energy auditor services for drawing up an energy audit report (initial and final),
- energy inspector services for issuing energy efficiency certificates (initial and final),
- development and certification of an energy management system, according to the ISO 50001 standard,
- monitoring and management consultancy services,
- preparation of studies and research of any kind, which are deemed necessary for the implementation of the report of energy audit results, related to the purposes of the action
It is noted that the supplied equipment must be modern, new, unused and belong to the company. VAT is not eligible, just as maintenance and repair costs of equipment already in use by the business are not eligible.
The date of the publication of the detailed announcement of the program is defined as the start date of expenditure eligibility and the end date of eligibility is 30.7.2025.
How will you apply?
Businesses that wish to participate in “Save Business” will submit a financing application, through the special electronic platform (click here), when the program is activated, in which the direct evaluation method (First in-First out) will be applied.
However, it is noted that the exact period of time for submitting applications will be determined during its announcement, which is expected to be signed, shortly, by the Minister of Environment and Energy, Mr. Thodoros Skylakakis and the Deputy Minister of National Economy & Finance, Mr. Nikos Papathanasis.
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