REI analysis: Around EUR 5 billion of non-reimbursable funds are available to companies and local authorities

Aurel Constantin 30/01/2023 | 11:33

No less than 12 funding programmes, totalling around EUR 5 billion, are available to companies and local public authorities in the coming months, in the most generous period of non-reimbursable funding in the history of our country, according to an analysis of REI, a group of companies specialised in attracting European funds and state aid, with a team of over 80 specialists in 13 offices nationwide.

 

According to REI data, a total of seven funding schemes in the first half of this year are dedicated to start-ups, SMEs and large companies, which can apply for grant funding for manufacturing, digitisation, energy efficiency or recycling projects, with total allocations exceeding EUR 2 billion.

On the other hand, the public sector benefits from a number of five support measures for the modernisation and digitisation of educational premises, the improvement of the water and sewage network in municipalities or investments in increasing energy efficiency of public buildings through the installation of photovoltaic panels, with total allocations of around EUR 3 billion.

„2023 is the year when we start to see the results of the projects submitted over the last two years, and it is also the time when we will see the launch of schemes with large and very large allocations in key areas where European money is vital for development. We are expecting huge interest in investment projects in the installation of energy efficiency solutions – where we have over EUR 1.5 billion allocated – for both the public and private sector, in digitisation – session opening on February 15, or the massive allocations for the education sector or water and sewage infrastructure. The year 2022 was a fantastic exercise and a test that showed us that we are ready to face the wave of funding in the coming years, and the start of this year sees us more prepared than ever, with a team of professionals and specialists in the field of attracting non-reimbursable funds – both for companies and public authorities”, stated Roxana Mircea, managing partner of REI Grup.

What calls are open or will open in the coming period

PRIVATE SECTOR

Call NRRP – C6 – I.4. – Production/assembly/recycling of batteries or solar cells – photovoltaic panels
Destination Private sector
Management Ministry of Energy
Eligible beneficiaries Start-up / micro / SME / Large enterprise
Status Open
Specific objective State aid scheme aimed at Supporting investments in the whole value chain of batteries (production and/or assembly and recycling) and Supporting investments in the whole value chain of photovoltaic cells and panels (production and/or assembly and recycling)
Budget 259 mln. EUR (multi-annual)

~86 mln. EUR / year

Conditions for eligibility ·         do not fall into the category ‘firms in difficulty’;

·         it is not in foreclosure, insolvency, bankruptcy, receivership, dissolution, operational closure, liquidation or temporary suspension proceedings;

·         provide a proof that they own at least 25 % of the eligible expenditure of the project;

·         have a return on turnover greater than zero in any of the last three completed financial years;

Non-eligible expenditure ·         expenditure on the construction of buildings (other than that relating to the production – assembly – recycling process);

·         expenditure related to land acquisition;

·         VAT;

·         the purchase of second-hand equipment;

·         expenditure on renting fixed means of production;

·         expenditure on the purchase of means of transport;

Financial support ·         max. EUR 100 million / GW annual production capacity for the production of electrodes and/or electrode and battery components;

·         max. EUR 100 million / GW annual production capacity for battery electrode assembly and battery testing/conditioning;

·         max. EUR 200 million per GW annual production capacity for battery production;

·         max. 400,000 EUR / MW annual production capacity of silicon and wafers;

·         max. 800,000 EUR / MW annual production capacity of photovoltaic elements.

Call session 16.01 – 16.03.2023

 

Call NRRP – C6 – I.5. – Ensuring energy efficiency in the industrial sector
Destination Private sector
Management Ministry of Energy
Eligible beneficiaries Micro / SME / Large enterprise
Status Open
Specific objective Savings in annual primary energy consumption for entities supported by this measure
Budget 80,6 mln. EUR
Conditions for eligibility ·         the applicant must not be in a state of insolvency or bankruptcy or subject to winding-up or administration proceedings;

·         do not fall into the category ‘firms in difficulty’;

·         have not, up to the date of application for State aid under this measure, received other State aid or minimis aid for the same eligible expenditure under this measure in the field of energy efficiency;

·         all project indicators, included in the initial energy audit, will meet the criterion of the difference between the baseline year 2021 and the reduction of at least 30% at the end of the monitoring period of the result indicators, related to the energy outline of the project by the initial energy audit report, from the year the project becomes operational and will be linked to the information in the feasibility study.

Non-eligible expenditure ·         renewable energy production systems;

·         equipment that does not demonstrate through an energy audit the energy savings in relation to the energy consumed in the year prior to funding, at the enterprise project level;

·         expenditure on information, publicity and financial audit;

·         costs that are not directly linked to achieving a higher level of energy efficiency;

·         any other expenditure not covered by the project;

·         purchases with “second-hand” tangible assets;

·         VAT.

Financial support Max. 1.2 mln. EUR/project, up to 65% of the eligible costs
Call session 14.12.2022 – 15.02.2023

(a 3-month extension of the call has been requested)

 

Call NRRP – C9 – I.3. – M.1.  Digitisation of SMEs
Destination Private sector
Management Ministry of Investment and European Projects[3]
Eligible beneficiaries SMEs
Status Opening soon
Specific objective Supporting the digitisation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which could subsequently contribute to increased competitiveness by fostering innovation in these enterprises and facilitating new ways of working.
Budget 347.5 mln. EUR
Conditions for eligibility Eligible applicants shall meet the following cumulative conditions:

·         are small, medium-sized or micro-enterprises (SMEs);

·         were established no later than 31.12.2021;

·         did not have their activity suspended in 2022;

·         have made a profit in fiscal 2021;

·         are not considered ‘firms in difficulty’;

·         do not carry out gambling activities, are not related to the tobacco industry, do not carry out real estate or financial development activities, do not carry out oil or gas extraction or processing activities;

·         the activity for which funding is requested must relate to a NACE code authorised on 31 December 2021. The project may be implemented in one or more locations in the same development region.

Non-eligible expenditure ·         the purchase of second-hand equipment;

·         staff expenditure;

·         expenditure on administrative costs;

·         land acquisition;

·         leasing purchases.

Financial support Between 20,000 – 30,000 EUR (micro)

Between 20,000 – 50,000 EUR (small enterprise)

Between 20,000 – 100,000 EUR (medium enterprise)

Call session 15.02 – 18.04.2023
Call NRRP – C6 – I.1. – Waste management
Destination Private sector
Management Ministry of Environment, Water and Forests
Eligible beneficiaries SMEs
Status Opening soon
Specific objective Accelerate the process of expanding and modernising waste management systems in Romania with a focus on separate collection, prevention, reduction, reuse and recovery measures in order to comply with applicable directives and transition to the circular economy.
Budget 286 mln. EUR
Conditions for eligibility The beneficiary is authorised to carry out activities in at least two of the following areas:

ü  3821 – treatment and disposal of non-hazardous waste;

ü  3822 – hazardous waste treatment and disposal;

ü  3832 – recovery of sorted recyclable materials;

ü  3831 – dismantling (disassembly) of disused machinery and equipment for material recovery;

ü  3811 – colectarea deșeurilor nepericuloase;

ü  3812 – colectarea deșeurilor periculoase.

In addition:

·         the applicant must not be in a state of insolvency or bankruptcy or subject to winding-up or administration proceedings;

·         not to be in difficulty;

·         have relocated to the establishment where the initial investment for which funding is requested is to take place in the two years preceding the submission of the application;

·         is not authorised to carry out at least one of the activities corresponding to the following NACE codes: 3821 – treatment and disposal of non-hazardous waste; 3822 – treatment and disposal of hazardous waste; 3832 – recovery of sorted recyclable materials; 3831 – dismantling (disassembly) of disused machinery and equipment for recovery of materials; 3811 – collection of non-hazardous waste; 3812 – collection of hazardous waste.

Non-eligible expenditure ·         expenditure on the purchase of tractor heads or non-specialised means of transport for activities covered by NACE codes 3811 and 3812;

·         any other expenditure not covered by the project;

·         purchases with “second-hand” tangible assets;

·         VAT.

Financial support Between 500,000 EUR – max. 8.4 mln. EUR / project
Call session Q1 2023

 

Call Investments in production – GD 959/2022 (session 2)
Destination Private sector
Management Ministry of Economy
Eligible beneficiaries Micro, SMEs, Large enterprises
Status Opening soon
Specific objective Providing investment grants for manufacturing industry.
Budget 150 mln. EUR
Conditions for eligibility ·         are not considered to be firms in difficulty;

·         provide a financial contribution of at least 25% of the eligible costs, either through own resources or external funding, in a form which is not subject to any other public aid;

·         have a return on turnover greater than zero in one of the last three completed financial years;

·         the investments made have a value, in RON equivalent, of at least EUR 3 million;

List of eligible sectors of activity NACE classes 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 38
Financial support max. 45 mln. EUR / project

Up to 60% grant support or even 80% in the case of small businesses

Call session Q1 2023 (March – est.)

 

Call MODERNIZATION FUND: Supporting investments in new renewable electricity generation capacity
Destination Private sector
Management Ministry of Energy
Eligible beneficiaries Start-up / Micro / SME / Large enterprises
Status Opening soon
Specific objective Increased production of electricity from renewable sources through the installation of new renewable energy generation capacity
Budget 550 mln. EUR (multi-annual)
Conditions for eligibility ·         to have as one of the activities listed in the company’s Statutes, among others, the activity of electricity generation (corresponding to Division 35 – ‘Electricity, gas, steam, hot water and air conditioning supply’, NACE class 3511 – Electricity generation;

·         the applicant is NOT a firm in difficulty;

·         the investment no longer received grant support;

·         the project has technical approval for connection (TAC) for the production site.

Eligible activities The realisation of new electricity generation capacity from wind, solar, biomass, biogas, geothermal or hydro sources.
Financial support max. 20 mln. EUR / applicant – 100% non-reimbursable of eligible costs
Call session Q1 2023

 

Call MODERNIZATION FUND: Supporting investments in new renewable electricity generation capacity for self-consumption
Destination Private sector
Management Ministry of Energy
Eligible beneficiaries Start-up / Micro / SME / Large enterprises
Status Opening soon
Specific objective Increased production of electricity from renewable sources through the installation of new renewable energy generation capacity
Budget 525 mln. EUR (multi-annual)
Conditions for eligibility ·         to have as one of the activities listed in the company’s Statutes, among others, the activity of electricity generation (corresponding to Division 35 – ‘Electricity, gas, steam, hot water and air conditioning supply’, NACE class 3511 – Electricity generation;

·         project activities will not be started before the date of submission of the bid for funding to the Ministry of Energy, except for obtaining land and preparatory works, such as obtaining permits and authorisations and carrying out feasibility studies;

·         the applicant is NOT a firm in difficulty;

·         investment aid is only granted to new installations, without financing energy storage capacity;

·         the investment no longer received grant support;

Eligible activities The realisation of new electricity generation capacity from wind, solar, biomass, biogas, geothermal or hydro sources.
Financial support max. 20 mln. EUR / applicant – 100% non-reimbursable of eligible costs
Call session Q1 2023

 

PUBLIC SECTOR

Call NRRP – Provision of furniture, teaching materials and digital equipment for pre-university and related establishments
Destination Public sector
Management Ministry of Education
Eligible beneficiaries ATUs (county councils, local public authorities)
Status Open
Call details Providing equipment and digital technological resources for educational establishments, equipping classrooms and school laboratories/workshops in the pre-university system, equipping computer laboratories in schools of vocational education and training (IPT) and equipping practical workshops in vocational and technical education establishments, including dual training establishments, with the exception of those with an agricultural profile, according to their specialisation and specific needs and with digital equipment (simulators).
Budget 1.068 bln. EUR
Call session until 19.03.2023

 

Call NRRP – C1 – Water Management – Investment 1 (I1)
Destination Public sector
Management Ministry of Environment, Water and Forests
Eligible beneficiaries ATUs (county councils, local public authorities)
Status Open
Specific objective Extension of water and sewerage systems in agglomerations of more than 2,000 population equivalent, prioritised by the Accelerated Plan for Compliance with European Directives
Budget 780 mln. EUR
Financial support max. 15 mln. EUR / project

·         146,250 EUR/km – for the extension of water distribution networks;

·         218,400 EUR/km – for the extension of waste water networks.

Call session until 21.02.2023
Call NRRP – C1 – Water Management – Investment 2 (I2)
Destination Public sector
Management Ministry of Environment, Water and Forests
Eligible beneficiaries ATUs (county councils, local public authorities)
Status Open
Specific objective Sewage collection in agglomerations of less than 2,000 l.e. that prevent the achievement of good status of water bodies and/or affect protected natural areas
Budget 156 mln. EUR
Financial support ·         2,190 EUR / SIA for appropriate individual collection and treatment systems a apelor uzate;

·          26,280 EUR / SPIA for alternative smart public wastewater systems;

·         218,400 EUR / km – for investment in waste water networks;

·         146,250 EUR / km – for investment in water supply networks.

Call session until 15.02.2023

 

Call MODERNIZATION FUND: Supporting investments in new renewable electricity generation capacity for self-consumption
Destination Public sector
Management Ministry of Energy
Eligible beneficiaries ATUs, Units of the National System of Defence, Public Order and National Security, Public Authorities
Status Opening soon
Specific objective Increased production of electricity from renewable sources through the installation of new renewable energy generation capacity
Budget 500 mln. EUR (multi-annual)
Conditions for eligibility ·         demonstrate the financial capacity to implement the project through solvency indicators, i.e. whether the ratio of Total Debt to Equity must be less than 7.5 in the last financial year;

·          investment aid is only granted to new installations, without financing energy storage capacity;

·         the investment(s) has/have not benefited from public funding, with the exception of preliminary studies – pre-feasibility study, geo-topographical analysis, feasibility study, technical design, execution details;

·         the applicant is not in difficulty.

Eligible activities Realisation of new electricity generation capacity from wind, solar, biomass, biogas, geothermal or hydro sources.
Financial support max. 20 mln. EUR / applicant – 100% non-reimbursable of eligible costs
Call session Q1 2023

 

Call NRRP – Equipping upper secondary schools, palaces and children’s clubs with smart labs
Destination Public sector
Management Ministry of Education
Eligible beneficiaries ATUs (county councils, local public authorities)
Status Deschis
Call details Equipping with smart lab ICT equipment and specific educational materials for the development of a digital smart lab in every high school, college, vocational school, as well as in children’s palaces and clubs, with the aim of at least 1,100 smart labs purchased for secondary and high school establishments.
Budget 118 mln. EUR
Call session 9.01 – 1.03.2023

 

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