The announcement of the program: “Change device for businesses”, with a total budget of 105.6 million euros, was signed by the Minister of Environment and Energy, Thodoros Skylakakis and the Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance, Nikos Papathanasis. Those interested can submit applications for participation from today, Thursday 22 February 2024, and until the budget is exhausted.

The program concerns the improvement of the energy efficiency of existing businesses of all sizes – even sole proprietorships – that operate in Greece, have a Greek VAT number, are active on the date of submission of the application and have been established until 31.12.2023.

Beneficiary businesses are supported in order to install energy efficient equipment. It includes – among others – heating systems using heat pumps, but also solar heating systems, replacement of energy-intensive machinery and business equipment, etc. At the same time, costs related to relevant services are covered, e.g. the cost of transport, installation, configuration of the new equipment, the energy audit, etc.

Small businesses can submit applications with a maximum budget of eligible costs of 20,000 euros, with the percentage of the corresponding aid to be formed at 50% of these, i.e. up to 10,000 euros. Medium and large companies can submit applications with a maximum eligible expenditure budget of 25,000 euros, with the percentage of the corresponding aid reaching 40% of this, i.e. they can also receive aid up to 10,000 euros.

Applications to participate in “Change device for businesses” are submitted through the program’s electronic platform: https://exoikonomo-epixeiro2023.gov.gr/. It is noted that the method will be applied of immediate evaluation (First in-First out).

The program is implemented within the framework of the “Saving – Entrepreneuring” action, with the support of the Recovery and Resilience Fund. The announcement of “I switch devices for businesses” has been posted on the official website of the Ministry of Environment and Energy and “Greece 2.0”.

The terms and conditions for the participation of interested parties in the program had already been made known since its pre-publication on the website of the Ministry of Environment and Energy, on 8.2.2024, in order to give interested parties more time to be informed and to prepare their proposals.

The Minister of Environment and Energy, Thodoros Skylakakis, stated: “”Change device for businesses” is a program that ensures multiple benefits to its beneficiaries. Businesses of all sizes, even sole traders, can receive up to €10,000 for installing more energy efficient equipment. By improving their energy efficiency, they will be able to save energy and money, since investments in heating systems using heat pumps, solar heating systems, etc., will gradually lead to a reduction in their operating costs. And of course, this program is included in the wider network of energy saving initiatives that we take, which aim at a more efficient and environmentally friendly national energy system”.

The Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance, Nikos Papathanasis, emphasized: “With the signing of the Announcement for the start of the submission of applications to the “Change device for businesses” Program, which is implemented with the support of the Recovery and Resilience Fund, the Government proves, once again, the importance it attaches to practical support of Entrepreneurship, mainly of small and medium enterprises, as well as in the promotion of the Green Transition and the wider Protection of the Environment. With the same seriousness and efficiency we continue to promote the necessary reforms for the economy and society, with the same credibility we continue to put into practice everything we committed to.”