BAFA MODULE 5
Transformation plan
Up to €90,000 funding for your customized decarbonization roadmap.
The goal is clear for many industrial companies: CO2 neutral by 2045 at the latest. How will the market for electricity and hydrogen develop?
What technologies are available for the electrification of process heat? And which technologies make sense for our location?
While we cannot predict the future or answer all questions with absolute certainty, we provide clarity on critical technical issues, systematically identify energy efficiency potentials, and equip you with tools to evaluate different economic scenarios based on data.
One significant advantage of our services is that - the creation of a customized transformation plan - is comprehensively subsidized by the state via BAFA Module 5.
What is a transformation plan according to BAFA Module 5?
A transformation plan as part of BAFA Module 5 is a strategic document that supports companies in improving their energy efficiency in the long term. This program is aimed at companies that want to take a systematic approach to converting their energy supply to renewable energies and sustainably reducing their energy consumption.
A transformation plan serves as a long-term roadmap for companies to align their processes, production methods and infrastructures with a climate-neutral and energy-efficient future. The aim is to develop a clear strategy for reducing CO₂ emissions and increasing energy efficiency. The plan includes a detailed analysis of current energy consumption and outlines measures to be implemented gradually to achieve the transition to sustainable energy use.
Which components are mandatory in a transformation plan according to BAFA Module 5?
1. Establishing the status quo
Detailed analysis of the company's current energy consumption and CO₂ emissions.
2. Objective
Specific targets for reducing CO₂ emissions and increasing energy efficiency that are aligned with the German government's climate protection goals.
3. Action plan
Description of the measures planned to achieve the set objectives, including timetable and milestones.
4. Controlling concept
Definition of methods and indicators for regularly reviewing progress and adjusting measures as necessary.
The following components of a transformation plan are not necessary, but are often useful
- Scenario analyses – Simulations of different development paths to evaluate the effectiveness of different measures.
- Sensitivity analyses – Analyses of how sensitively the results react to changes in external factors (e.g. energy prices, political framework conditions).
- Funding opportunities – Research into funding programs and other financing options for implementing the identified measures.
What are the funding conditions?
Companies can receive funding from the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA) for creating a transformation plan. The funding amount is based on a funding quota and a maximum funding limit.
The basic subsidy is €60,000, with a funding rate of 40% to 60% depending on the company's size. Membership in an energy efficiency network increases the funding amount to €90,000 and boosts the funding rate by 10%.
Subsidy according to BAFA Module 5
Company size | Funding quota | Funding amount |
|---|---|---|
Small | 60% | 60.000€ |
Mid-sized | 50% | 60.000€ |
Large | 40% | 60.000€ |
Increased funding for members of an energy efficiency network
Company size | Funding quota | Funding amount |
|---|---|---|
Small | 70% | 90.000€ |
Mid-sized | 60% | 90.000€ |
Large | 50% | 90.000€ |
If there are several locations, a separate transformation plan can be drawn up and subsidized for each location. The maximum funding amounts then apply per location. However, all locations can also be included in a joint transformation plan, in which case the maximum funding amount still applies.
What potential do you have to increase energy efficiency and sustainably lower energy costs?
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Only external services for the preparation of the transformation plan are considered eligible costs. Specifically, these can include:
- Consulting and concept development: Consulting and concept development on energy efficiency, climate protection or adaptation to climate change. Of course, this also includes the actual creation of the transformation plan.
- Measurements: Measurements or other data collection for the greenhouse gas balance. The purchase of measurement technology is not subsidized, but rented measurement technology as part of a service is permitted.
- Certification: Certification or verification of GHG balances. Certification is not mandatory for funding. It therefore only makes sense if it is needed for other reasons.
How do I get the subsidy?
The BAFA Module 5 (transformation plans) funding program offers companies an attractive opportunity to plan the necessary steps towards a climate-neutral and energy-efficient future and implement them in a targeted manner.
To receive funding for a transformation plan, you must follow these steps:
- Offer preparation: You discuss your situation and boundary conditions with us in several online meetings and, if necessary, during an on-site appointment. Together, we will work out the specific content of your transformation plan and prepare an offer.
- Submission of application: You submit the funding application online via the BAFA portal. A detailed description of the planned transformation plan and our proposals is included. We will gladly support you with this process.
- Evaluation: Once the application has been submitted, BAFA reviews the transformation plan to determine its eligibility for funding. Particular attention is given to compliance with the mandatory components. If the outcome is positive, you will receive written confirmation of the funding (the grant notification). This process typically takes about 8 weeks.
- Implementation: After approval, you commission us, and we work on the project in close cooperation. The maximum project duration is twelve months. At the end of the project, we prepare all the reports and documents required for funding. You will then have a comprehensive overview of the measures you can implement to achieve your CO2 reduction targets and their associated costs.
- Proof: You prepare and submit proof of the proper use of the funding (proof of utilization) no later than three months after the requested project period. Appropriate forms are available for this purpose. The grant is paid out after a positive review of the proof of utilization.
The transformation plan creates a reliable data foundation for your investment decisions. The funding is granted regardless of the measures you choose to implement.
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About TLK Energy
Our team around Dr.-Ing. Manuel Gräber and Dr.-Ing. Franz Lanzerath consists of thermodynamics and simulation experts and relies on industry-proven software solutions.
More about TLK EnergyFrequently asked questions about BAFA Module 5 Transformation Plan
Classification is in accordance with EU Recommendation 2003/361/EC:
- Small enterprises (SMEs): Less than 50 employees and annual turnover or annual balance sheet total of no more than €10 million
- Medium-sized enterprises (MU): Less than 250 employees and annual turnover not exceeding € 50 million or annual balance sheet total not exceeding € 43 million
- Large companies: Exceed the above thresholds
The funding rate is 60% for SMEs, 50% for medium-sized companies and 40% for large companies.
A complete transformation plan should include the following elements:
- Detailed analysis of current energy and resource consumption
- Definition of concrete savings targets and time frame
- Catalog of measures to achieve the goals
- Evaluation of economic and technical feasibility
- Strategy for implementation and success monitoring
These requirements are based on the BAFA specifications.
In contrast to modules 1-4 and 6, applications for transformation plans are handled by the project management organization VDI/VDE Innovation + Technik GmbH. Applications must be submitted online via the portal www.wettbewerb-energieeffizienz.de.
Once the grant notification has been received, the measures set out in the transformation plan must be implemented within a specified period. The exact deadline is specified in the grant notification and should be adhered to carefully so as not to jeopardize the funding.
Yes, a transformation plan can cover several locations of a company, provided they are located in Germany. This enables a holistic view and planning of efficiency measures across different sites.
Once the measures have been completed, proof of use must be provided documenting the implementation of the planned measures and the savings achieved. This proof is used by BAFA to monitor and assess the achievement of objectives.
The funding of transformation plans is based on Article 49 of the General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER (AGVO in German)). This means that certain subsidies can be granted without prior notification to the EU Commission, provided they meet the specified conditions.
In principle, accumulation of funding is possible, provided that there is no double funding for identical measures and the accumulated funding does not exceed the maximum permissible aid levels. It is important to observe the specific conditions of the respective funding programs.
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