Ecological Credit: grant for investments into energy efficiency

Ecological Credit (Kredyt Ekologiczny) is a form of financial support provided by Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego (BGK), effectively functioning as a non-repayable grant. Businesses implementing energy-saving investments can take out a commercial loan, with BGK covering the principal loan repayments through this support.

What may be financed:

• Thermal modernization of buildings, including construction works and the purchase of fixed assets.
• Replacement of heating systems or machinery with more energy-efficient alternatives.
• Investments in renewable energy sources (RES), including energy storage systems.
• investments in new production lines / machines etc.

Eligible beneficiaries:

• Micro and small enterprises.
• Medium-sized enterprises.
• Small mid-caps and mid-caps (up to 3,000 employees).

Maximum funding available:

• Funding level: Up to 80% of eligible costs, depending on the enterprise size, project location, and investment type.
• Eligible cost range: Minimum 2 million PLN; maximum 50 million EUR.

Funding levels by investment type:

• Major production process changes (e.g., purchasing energy-efficient machinery and technological lines): up to 70% of eligible costs.
• Advisory services for SMEs (e.g., expert opinions, technical designs): 50% for all businesses.
• Non-building-related investments (e.g., acquisition of fixed assets or intangible assets unrelated to buildings): up to 32.5%.
• Building-related investments (e.g., thermal modernization, window replacements, roof insulation): up to 80%.
• Renewable energy source investments: up to 65%.
• De minimis aid (e.g., audits or expenditures not directly resulting from the audit but compliant with the European Green Deal): 50% for all businesses.

Conditions for obtaining the ecological credit:

• Energy audit: this must include a mandatory thermal modernization audit and an energy efficiency audit, confirming at least a 30% reduction in energy consumption
• Commercial bank pre-approval: a loan pre-approval letter must be obtained, confirming the applicant’s creditworthiness to finance the project.

Application timeline:

• Submission period: From October 17, 2024, to January 31, 2025.
• Another intake of applications is planned for June / July 2025.