The efficient, decentralized production of energy using thermal power plants helps preserve fossil fuel resources, minimizes the need for conventional power generating capacity and reduces CO2 emissions. Government programs provide long-term subsidies for investments in power-heat coupling.

Because subsidy programs are often adapted to meet changing circumstances, it is advisable to check the status of such programs on the websites of their sponsors. We will be glad to inform you in a personal consultation as to the current conditions.

KfW loans

The Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) offers reduced-interest loans with fixed maturity and zero-redemption terms for the initial phase. They finance the construction, expansion and purchase of power-heat coupled systems within the framework of their “Efficient Renovation” and “ERP Environment and Energy Efficiency” programs. The subsidy can be combined with those from other sponsors. Systems which focus on heating and are run from biomass can receive subsidies from the “Renewable Energies” program.

Payment for surplus electricity

Electricity you don’t use is fed into the public utility network and is purchased by the utility company. The price paid for the electricity from your thermal power plant depends upon the fuel used to generate it. For heating oil or natural gas, the price is set by the Power-Heat Coupling Law. Systems with capacities less than 50 kW are guaranteed to receive 5.11 Ct/kWh for a period of 10 years. Larger systems receive 2.1 Ct/kWh for 6 years, even if the power is consumed by the producer. If electricity is fed into the public network, there is also a markup equal to the average base load electricity price of the Leipzig Electricity Exchange EEX together with a percentage of the avoided network usage fees. If biomass is used, including vegetable oil, bio-ethanol, biogas or pellets, prices are determined by the Renewable Energy Law.

Reimbursement of energy taxes

Operators of power-heat coupling systems with efficiency ratings greater than 70% which are not considered by the Renewable Energy Law will receive reimbursement for energy taxes (formerly mineral oil taxes) levied. For natural gas, that means 0.55 Ct/kWh, for liquified gas 6.06 Ct/kWh and for light heating oil 6.135 Ct/kWh (other heating oils 2.5 Ct/kWh).