Federal government contradicts Saxon criticism of funding program

"STARK" also applies to SMEs

Giegold, on the other hand, emphasized that the adjustments represent a significant expansion of funding opportunities, which should give new impetus to companies in Saxony in particular. "All of this also applies without restriction to SMEs, which are in fact the focus of the entire program," explained Giegold. In addition, bureaucratic hurdles that hinder SMEs in particular have been removed. "We developed and agreed the changes together with Saxony, so I would have welcomed it if my colleague had expressed additional expansion requirements earlier," added Giegold. There had been an opportunity to do so since December.

The changes are intended to enable projects for the production of batteries, solar panels, wind turbines, heat pumps, electrolysers and equipment for CO2 capture, use and storage to be funded. Another new feature is that up to 40 percent of eligible investment costs can be covered. In addition, investments in some existing funding categories are also eligible with immediate effect.