The funding programme "Energie- und Klima EuK/2023 – Modul I" supports applied and application-oriented research activities that contribute to the implementation of the energy transition and climate protection in Saxony. The overarching objective is to accelerate the transition toward a climate-neutral economy by strengthening research capacities, promoting innovative technologies, and fostering scientific collaboration between higher education institutions and non-profit research organisations. Co-financed by the European Union, the programme contributes to sustainable development, with a particular connection to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

Module I exclusively supports non-economic activities and focuses on research projects that go beyond the current state of technology or science. Funded projects must demonstrate their potential to contribute significantly to the achievement of Saxony’s energy and climate policy goals. Research topics include energy efficiency technologies, renewable energy technologies, sector coupling, storage technologies, hydrogen-based systems, digitalisation of the energy sector, intelligent energy system networking, sustainable circular economy solutions, and eco-innovations in the fields of energy, climate, and circularity.

The programme operates through a **two-stage application procedure**: applicants first submit a project idea with a structured project description, followed by a formal full application. Projects must be carried out within Saxony and enable third parties within the European Union to access research results on non-discriminatory terms. Funding is provided as a non-repayable grant covering **100% of eligible costs**, making it particularly attractive for research institutions engaging in pre-competitive research activities.

Eligible beneficiaries include universities, non-profit research institutions, and the Berufsakademie Sachsen, provided the projects are transfer-oriented and contribute to the regional innovation landscape. Projects may be implemented as collaborative undertakings involving at least two partners from the eligible organisations. Additional project components not directly related to the main research themes may be included if they are essential for achieving the overall project goals and do not exceed 10% of the total eligible costs.

The funding covers a wide range of direct and indirect costs, including personnel expenditures, equipment, leasing, external services, intellectual property rights, and consumables. The programme distinguishes between expenditure-based funding, cost-based funding, self-cost accounting, and simplified reimbursement methods. Indirect costs are typically financed through a 25% flat rate applied to certain categories of direct costs. However, self-cost accounting according to NBest-EU-Kosten is no longer permitted for any approvals issued from 1 January 2025 onwards.

Some restrictions apply: personnel financed from public budgets, recoverable VAT, projects below 10,000 euros or above 1,000,000 euros (unless exceptionally justified), construction-related expenditures, and contract research for companies are not eligible. In addition, funding for this module is currently suspended because available financial resources have been fully allocated. New project ideas cannot be processed until further notice.

Applications must be submitted through the SAB funding portal. Projects may not begin before receiving the official confirmation of application receipt, and any premature contract signing or payment may render the project ineligible.