New 2025 Site Protection Act Offers €75M Relief for Energy-Intensive Firms

The 2025 Site Protection Act came into force on 31 October 2025. It introduces a temporary support programme for energy-intensive businesses across 2025 and 2026. The scheme aims to offset rising electricity prices and indirect CO₂ costs for qualifying companies. To qualify, a company must use over 1 gigawatt-hour of electricity per facility each year. Eligible businesses can receive grants covering up to 75% of their actual indirect CO₂ expenses. The maximum grant per calendar year is set at €75 million.

The European Commission has already approved the funding guidelines. Companies must invest at least 80% of the grant received into energy efficiency and decarbonisation measures. They are also required to conduct an energy audit or implement an energy or environmental management system.

Further information about the scheme is available on the website of the funding agency aws. The programme will reimburse indirect CO₂ costs for energy-intensive businesses during 2025 and 2026. It will also partially offset rising electricity prices through a compensation scheme. Companies meeting the criteria can now apply under the approved guidelines.