Away from expensive natural gas: Many companies are converting their energy supply and putting the brakes on costs. Financial support is now available from the state treasury.
Erfurt (dpa/th) – Thuringia is launching another aid program in the energy crisis: Small and medium-sized companies that switch their energy supply from expensive natural gas to renewable energy sources or invest in energy efficiency can receive a bonus, informed Economics Minister Wolfgang Tiefensee (SPD) in Erfurt . The money required for this had been released by the budget committee of the state parliament, he confirmed on request. Applications for the so-called “decarbonization bonus” could thus be made immediately.
According to Tiefensee, it is about converting operating processes to renewable energies and energy-saving processes. Up to five million euros are initially available for the newly launched program. A later increase will be considered in case of high demand. Applications would be processed by the Thuringian development bank. Part of the money is intended as a subsidy for larger investments by companies to increase energy efficiency.
Thuringia quickly implemented its aid package for the economy, the minister explained. A livelihood security program was officially launched a few days ago. With the decarbonization bonus, all aid and support offers planned by the state can now be called up.
The decarbonization bonus – up to 15,000 euros per project – is intended to support medium-sized companies in particular in replacing expensive fossil fuels in production. The required systems and equipment as well as training and advice would be funded. The new program is based on the “Digital Bonus Thuringia”, which has been in existence since mid-2018 with a temporary interruption this year.
