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The Exportinitiative Umweltschutz funding call for 2024/2025, hosted by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety, and Consumer Protection (BMUV), aims to promote the international transfer of German environmental technologies, especially to developing and emerging countries. The program supports projects that align with sustainable development goals and create positive long-term environmental, social, and economic impacts.
Key areas of focus include water and wastewater management, circular economy, resource efficiency, green hydrogen and fuel cell technologies, sustainable mobility solutions, and innovative cross-sectoral technologies. The program particularly encourages projects that ensure environmental technologies are applied sustainably without causing social inequalities.
Eligible projects include capacity-building initiatives, feasibility studies, international networking measures, pilot projects, and the implementation of German environmental technologies in local settings. The goal is to foster sustainable infrastructure and standardized environmental practices globally, promoting the use of “GreenTech – Made in Germany.”
The application process consists of two stages. First, applicants must submit a project outline. If deemed suitable, they are then invited to submit a formal funding application. Funding is contingent on the availability of a finalized budget for 2025 and a financial plan extending through 2028, currently under development by the German government.
For specific inquiries about hydrogen and fuel cell technologies, applicants can consult the NOW GmbH program management organization. Detailed guidelines and application procedures will be published in the official funding announcement in May 2024.
You can find the original website in german here.
Expected Outcome
The expected outcome of projects funded under the Exportinitiative Umweltschutz is the successful transfer and sustainable application of German environmental technologies in developing and emerging countries. These projects are aimed at achieving several key outcomes:
- Sustainable Environmental Impact: The implementation of green technologies should result in significant and lasting environmental benefits, such as improved water and wastewater management, waste reduction, resource efficiency, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
- Strengthened Local Capacity: Projects should enhance the technical and institutional capacity of local stakeholders. This includes training and knowledge transfer that enables local communities and institutions to maintain and further develop the implemented technologies independently.
- Economic and Social Benefits: The technologies and solutions introduced must contribute to local economic development and social well-being. They should create jobs, promote economic growth, and avoid creating social inequalities. For instance, green hydrogen projects could stimulate local energy sectors while providing affordable, sustainable energy solutions.
- Adoption of International Environmental Standards: The projects are expected to foster the adoption of standardized environmental practices in target countries, aligning them with international norms and enhancing their ability to meet global environmental and sustainability goals.
- Long-term Sustainability: The initiatives should create a foundation for ongoing environmental protection and resource management. The solutions must be adaptable to local conditions and scalable, ensuring that the benefits persist well beyond the project's conclusion.
- Enhanced International Cooperation: Projects should improve international networks between German companies, local actors, and governments, fostering collaboration for future environmental initiatives.
Ultimately, the aim is to create positive, long-term environmental, social, and economic impacts, promoting the global spread of "GreenTech – Made in Germany."
Scope
The scope of the Exportinitiative Umweltschutz funding call is to promote the international transfer of German environmental technologies, focusing on developing and emerging countries. It supports projects that address global environmental and sustainability challenges by implementing innovative solutions developed in Germany. The key areas covered by the call include:
- Water and Wastewater Management – Technologies and systems for managing and treating water and wastewater sustainably.
- Circular Economy, Waste, and Resource Efficiency – Initiatives that enhance recycling, reduce waste, and promote the efficient use of resources.
- Green Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies – With an emphasis on medium-sized enterprises and decentralized, off-grid solutions, this area focuses on the development and deployment of hydrogen technologies as a clean energy source.
- Sustainable Mobility Solutions – Projects that promote environmentally friendly and sustainable transportation technologies.
- Environmental Management and Sustainable Consumption – Strategies to encourage responsible resource use and environmental stewardship.
- Sustainable Urban and Regional Development – Initiatives aimed at developing sustainable cities and regions through smart environmental infrastructure and practices.
- Innovative Cross-sectoral Technologies – Cutting-edge solutions that address multiple environmental challenges across different sectors.
The call encourages projects that integrate environmental, social, and economic benefits. It promotes local stakeholder engagement and aims for long-lasting impacts. The supported activities include capacity building, feasibility studies, international networking, small-scale pilot projects, and the installation of German environmental technology in local settings for testing under local conditions.
Projects that meet a justified need in other countries outside the initial focus can also be considered for funding.