The funding programme "Energie und Klima/2023" provides financial support for measures that contribute to a climate-neutral economy in Saxony. It addresses a wide spectrum of public and semi-public actors, such as municipalities, associations, cooperatives, foundations, research institutions, and—depending on the module—companies. The programme supports investments that implement the energy transition, strengthen climate protection, and accelerate adaptation to climate impacts. Co-financed by the European Union, it contributes to sustainable development goals, particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

The funding is structured into five distinct modules. **Module 1** supports application-oriented energy and climate research and is exclusively available to universities, research institutions, and vocational academies in Saxony. It enables scientific institutions to pursue innovative research projects that support the broader regional transformation. **Module 2** focuses on energy efficiency and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Eligible measures include investments in emissions reduction, advisory services, non-investive support activities (such as municipal energy management or participation in the European Energy Award), and complex or model investment projects. A temporary application and approval freeze applies to the EEA-related sub-programme, while all other measures remain unaffected.

**Module 3** supports investments related to intelligent energy systems, local grids, and storage infrastructures. This includes the integration of facilities, buildings, and processes into smart energy systems, the expansion of heat and cooling networks, sector coupling measures, and infrastructure for biogas and green hydrogen. Non-investive, complex, and model projects are likewise eligible. **Module 4** addresses climate adaptation and supports investments that strengthen resilience against climate impacts, including rainwater retention, climate management processes, risk analyses, and preparatory work for adaptation projects.

**Module 5** supports future-proof energy supply systems by funding the expansion of renewable energies, including the production and use of green gases, as well as necessary infrastructure and qualification measures. Projects in Module 5 must be located within the Just Transition Fund (JTF) territories: Görlitz, Bautzen, Nordsachsen, Leipzig, and the cities of Chemnitz and Leipzig.

Across modules, the programme offers grants covering typically 50–80% of eligible expenditure, with Module 1 (research) funded up to 100%. Beneficiaries must comply with specific rules on project start, reporting, sustainability contribution, and evidence submission. Projects must be located within Saxony, and applicants must submit their documents through the SAB funding portal. Several specialised thematic calls have been published under this programme in recent years, including calls on photovoltaic building supply, district heating decarbonisation, intelligent house connection stations, and green gas infrastructure.