Research Allowance for Energy, Cleantech & GreenTech
In energy and cleantech, research with an open outcome is eligible – building standard plants and rollout are not. Eligible activities include new storage, conversion or hydrogen processes, efficiency prototypes and new system integration with genuine technical risk. We draw a review-proof line between research and standard engineering.
All free & non-binding – no upfront risk.
Context
Energy and cleantech projects are assessed against the general R&D criteria as well as the rules for mechanical engineering and ICT. What matters is the scientific-technical uncertainty – not the planning and construction of plants using known technology.
Which R&D activities in Energy, Cleantech & GreenTech are eligible?
- New processes for energy storage, conversion or for hydrogen/power-to-X with an uncertain outcome
- Efficiency gains or emission reductions through novel components or processes with a technically open outcome
- New system integration, grid and load management algorithms with genuine technical risk (per the ICT criteria)
- Building and testing pilot and demonstration plants to validate technological foundations
Example: research allowance in Energy, Cleantech & GreenTech
For illustration only – not a real client case.
Assumption: Assume around €450,000 of eligible R&D staff costs per year for a qualifying Energy, Cleantech & GreenTech project.
Simplified example based on the eligible R&D staff costs (as of July 2026); excluding the overhead flat rate, contract research, owner work and the cap. Your actual funding depends on the individual case.
Typical non-eligible activities & reasons for rejection
This is exactly where many first applications fail. These points come from the BSFZ review guidelines:
- Planning and construction of standard installations (e.g. PV, wind or CHP plants) using known technology
- Permit, approval and certification activities
- Operation, monitoring, maintenance and servicing
- Rollout and replication of an already proven solution
- Standard engineering and design according to recognized engineering standards
Research language instead of development language
The BSFZ assesses by scientific criteria. An example from Energy, Cleantech & GreenTech:
“We made our plant more efficient.”
“Whether a novel process and catalyst concept significantly increases the efficiency of hydrogen production at a defined service life – with an outcome that was open at project start and documented quality criteria.”
FAQ: research allowance for Energy, Cleantech & GreenTech
Which R&D activities in energy/cleantech are eligible?
Eligible activities include new storage, conversion and hydrogen processes, new efficiency developments and new system integration with genuine technical risk, as well as the building and testing of pilot and demonstration plants.
Is building a PV or wind installation eligible?
No, not if it is carried out using known technology. Planning, construction and operation of standard installations are not R&D. It only becomes eligible where there is genuine technical uncertainty within a pilot or demonstration project.
Is the sustainability or climate benefit enough?
No. The environmental or climate benefit does not establish eligibility. What matters is the novelty, technical risk and systematic planning of the project.