Climate incentive programme for commercial refrigeration plants
With commercial refrigeration technology, there is still scope for massive financial, energy and CO2 emissions savings, which can be achieved through regular maintenance and the use of state-of-the-art technical components:
* electronic expansion valves
* speed control of compressors
* regulation of overall system
* utilisation of high-efficiency system components.
Simply with the technologies already on the market, approximately 11 billion kWh could be saved every year in refrigeration systems in Germany (equivalent to the output of two coal- or gas-fired power plants). The BMU's Climate Initiative is therefore promoting more intensive use of climate protection technologies in commercial refrigeration plants through the provision of subsidies for advice and consultation (StatusCheck) and investment (existing and new plants). A bonus for cogeneration of cooling/heat offers additional incentives for market development.
Criteria
1. Installation of a separate, remote-read electricity meter
2. Proof of a maintenance contract with a specialist company
3. Precautions to be taken to reduce coolant emissions
4. No use of climate-damaging insulation materials
5. Sharing of plant operation data for impact monitoring.
Applications
Applications can be submitted to the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA) after 1 September 2008. Grants are only paid for schemes which are not yet operational. An exception is made for the StatusCheck only; here, applications may be submitted up to six months after implementation.
1. Grants for consultation (StatusCheck)
The StatusCheck determines the energy efficiency potential of an existing refrigeration plant. Funding is provided for a comprehensive technical assessment by an expert and a detailed calculation of potential by an impartial service provider with no affiliation to a manufacturer or supplier.
A StatusCheck is eligible for funding if:
* the annual energy consumption of the refrigeration plant at a single site amounts to at least 50% of total energy consumption (otherwise, energy efficiency advice is available via KfW's Special Fund for Energy Efficiency in SMEs);
* the annual costs of electricity and power, depending on the refrigeration plant and site, total at least € 15,000 and/or energy consumption is at least 150,000 kWh.
The comprehensive StatusCheck report identifies the potential to reduce energy consumption, power input, operating costs and climate damage from coolants and energy carriers.
Funding rate:
75% of the StatusCheck costs (max. € 1000, but a max. of € 1300 in especially complex cases).
2. Basic funding for existing plants
Schemes and plants are eligible for funding if
* in existing refrigeration plants, annual electricity consumption is at least 150,000 kWh
* the StatusCheck has identified an energy consumption reduction potential of at least 35%.
Funding rates:
15% of net investment costs;
25% of net investment costs if climate-friendly coolants are used.
3. Basic funding for new plants
Schemes and plants are eligible for funding if
* climate-friendly coolants (CO2, NH3 or non-halogenated hydrocarbons) are used;
* a TEWI calculation by an impartial service provider with no affiliation to a manufacturer or supplier provides evidence of overall efficiency;
* energy-efficient components are used in the plant (master control, electronic expansion valves, frequency converter control of all drive motors) and
* based on the design calculation, electricity consumption of at least 100,000 kWh/a and/or costs of electrical energy and power of €10,000/a can be anticipated.
Funding rate:
25% of net investment costs.
4. Bonus funding
A bonus is paid for additional contributions to climate protection, such as marketable and development-optimised technologies for existing and new plants:
The following are eligible:
* non-electric-powered refrigeration plants (e.g. gas motors with waste heat recovery)
* waste heat recovery from production processes and refrigeration plants.
Funding rates:
25% of net investment costs
35% of net investment costs if climate-friendly coolants are used.
Applications for bonus funding can be made in any form but full details must be provided.
