The future of energy supply belongs to fuel cells

High government subsidies for fuel cell heating systems

The company HYCON GmbH, a member of h2-netzwerk-ruhr, highlights the possible funding for fuel cells in building energy supply through a new BAFA program.

Fuel cells are particularly efficient and produce little CO2 compared to other heating systems. This climate protection is generously supported by the state: The BAFA offers rewarding funding for the installation of innovative heating systems in existing residential and non-residential buildings.

What is funded?

Since January 1, 2023, fuel cells have been funded as a BEG individual measure under the Federal Funding for Efficient Buildings (BEG) if they are operated with green hydrogen or biogas. The subsidy of 25 percent of the eligible total costs can be applied for at BAFA before installation.

The eligible total costs include:
• the costs for the fuel cell system and its installation; for integrated devices, also the costs for the additional heat generator,
• the fixed agreed costs for the full maintenance contract for the first 10 years,
• and the costs for the services of the energy efficiency expert.

Of this sum, 25 percent of the costs are subsidized. The maximum limit for eligible costs is max. 60,000 euros per residential unit for residential buildings and max. 1,000 euros per m2 net floor area for non-residential buildings, with a total maximum of 5 million euros. Additionally, a heating system replacement bonus can be claimed: A bonus of 10 percentage points is granted for the replacement of functional oil, coal, and night storage heaters. A bonus of 10 percentage points is granted for the replacement of functional gas heating systems if they were commissioned at least 20 years prior to the application date.

Click here for the announcement from Zukunft Gas e.V.: www.gas.info/foerderung-brennstoffzelle