• No less than 6 major funding schemes have been prepared by the authorities for companies in the coming months;
• Over 1.5 bn. is dedicated exclusively to green energy projects;
• The non-reimbursable funding for certain measures goes up to 100% of eligible expenditure.

More than EUR 2.5 billion is available to companies for investments in green energy production or energy efficiency, digitisation of SMEs, recycling or SME modernisation in the coming months, in the busiest period for grant funding since our country joined the EU in 2007.

According to a REI analysis, group of companies specialised in attracting non-reimbursable financing from European funds or state aid, with more than 80 specialists in 13 offices nationwide, beneficiaries can apply for between EUR 20,000 for the digitisation of micro-enterprises or up to EUR 45 million for investment projects in new production capacity, grants of up to 80% of the eligible project value.

“We are going through one of the busiest periods in Romania’s history in terms of non-reimbursable funding, it is a train that should not be missed by any company that could develop its activity in one of the sectors eligible for funding – whether it is the re-engineering of the production of construction companies or the food industry, the digitalization of SMEs – through the purchase of hardware equipment or software licenses, investments in green energy, production or recycling. We encourage companies to define their projects and development plans for the coming period or years and get in touch with a team of consultants specialised in large-scale projects, with expertise and validated by successful collaborations“, said Roxana Mircea, managing partner REI Grup.

Over EUR 2.5 bn. for companies: List of upcoming funding calls

1. POC 4.1.1. BIS[1] – Investments in upgrading SMEs in Construction and Food Industry
2. Project submission session: 25.10 – 31.10.2022
3. Budget: EUR 290 M
4. Funding: maximum 75% of the eligible project value;
5. A maximum of 5 times the turnover in 2021 is granted, but not more than EUR 500,000;
6. SMEs with positive profit and equity are eligible;

“Under this funding measure, companies in the food industry and other manufacturing and service sectors such as construction, plant works, etc. have 290 million euros at their disposal for investment in the upgrading of their businesses. No history of NACE code is required, so companies in other sectors can also apply for funds. The percentage of funding varies by region and company size and is a maximum of 75% of the eligible project value. In addition to the purchase of equipment, companies must also purchase 10% of the project’s value in hardware and software, and go digital; 20% of the value of the equipment must comply with the DNSH principle and not harm the environment. Funding contracts will be signed by the end of February 2023 at the latest, and projects must be completed by 31.12.2023“, said Roxana Mircea.

• POIM[2] – EUR 500 M for renewable energy and energy efficiency in companies
• Eligible applicants: SMEs, large companies;
• Total budget: EUR 500 M.
• Investments in photovoltaic panels
• Budget: EUR 200 M;
• Financing: maximum EUR 500.000 and maximum 0.4 MW/point of consumption for factories and service premises;
• Submission deadline: 1 November 2022, the last day on which projects can still be submitted.
• Commercial building renovation
• Budget: 200 mil. EUR;
• Funding: maximum EUR 500,000, maximum 75% grant funding, excluding administrative buildings;
• Call deadline: 2 November 2022, last day to submit projects.
• Minimis scheme – LED lighting in commercial buildings, investment in heating – energy efficient equipment
• Budget:  EUR 100 M;
• Funding: maximum EUR 200,000, 100% non-reimbursable;
• Deadline for submission: 27 October 2022, the last day for submitting projects.
• Digitisation – NRRP[3] – Component 7 – Digital transformation – Investment in hardware and software for SMEs
• The Guide is out for public consultation;
• Estimated call opening: November – December 2022;
• Budget: EUR 347,50 M;
• Funding: between EUR 20,000 and 100,000;
• Co-financing: 10% of eligible expenditure for small and medium-sized enterprises; 0% for micro-enterprises;
• Eligible beneficiaries: non-IT SMEs;
• Maximum amount of minimis aid:
• Between EUR 20,000 and EUR 30,000 for micro-enterprises;
• Between EUR 20,000 and EUR 50,000 for small businesses;
• Between EUR 20,000 and EUR 100,000 for medium-sized enterprises;
• Eligible expenditure SME digitisation:
• IT&C hardware purchases;
• Procurement of automation and robotics equipment for technological workflows, integrated with digital solutions;
• Development and/or adaptation of software applications/licenses, including RPA or Robotic Process Automation software solutions;
• Blockchain technology purchases;
• Procurement of artificial intelligence systems, machine learning, augmented reality, virtual reality;
• Purchase of a presentation website;
• Procurement of cloud and IoT services;
• Training of staff who will use IT&C equipment;
• Consultancy/analysis to identify technical solutions needed by SMEs.
• State aid scheme for investments in production activities – GD 959/2022[4]
• Call session: 1 November – 16 December;
• Total multiannual budget (2022-2023): EUR 300 M
• Funding: Projects of minimum EUR 3 M, with grants of 30-80% of eligible investment costs; maximum EUR 45 M state aid support;
• Eligibility criteria:
  • The company has no debts to the state budget;
  • It is not considered a company in difficulty;
  • Not in foreclosure, insolvency, bankruptcy or judicial reorganisation proceedings;
  • Have a minimum subscribed share capital of 100,000 lei paid up in accordance with the law;
  • A minimum of 10% of the value of the project represents green investments;
  • It provides a financial contribution of at least 25% of the eligible costs, either through its own resources or through external funding, in a form which is not subject to any other public aid.
• Eligible applicants: SMEs, large enterprises
  • Class C – Manufacturing industry.
• RECYCLING – NRRP[5] – Component 3 – Waste management
• The final Guide has already been published;
• Call session: 1 November 2022 – 15 February 2023;
• Budget: EUR 286 M;
• Funding: between EUR 500,000 – EUR 8.4 M/project;
• Eligible expenditure:
• Expenditure on the construction of the buildings necessary for the location and installation of the machinery, installations and equipment purchased, with the related equipment, electrical installations, natural gas supply, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning installations (relating only to the building premises);
• Expenditure on the purchase and assembly of machinery, plant and equipment needed to achieve the objectives of the project (vehicles purchased under this measure will be equipped with the best available technology from an environmental point of view);
• Expenditure on acquisition of intangible assets.
• MODERNISATION FUND[6] – Over 1 bn. EUR for renewable energy production and self-consumption 
• Supporting investment in new renewable electricity generation capacity – PRODUCTION
• Total estimated budget: EUR 550 M;
• Call opening: Q1 2023;
• Eligible applicants:
  • Companies (micro, small, medium and large enterprises, including start-ups);
  • Autonomous entities, legally constituted and registered with the National Register of Trade Companies (ONRC) in Romania, with activity listed in the company’s statute, among others, NACE 3511 – Production of electricity.
• Supporting investment in new renewable electricity generation capacity – OWN CONSUMPTION
• Total estimated budget: EUR 525 mil. M;
• Call opening: Q1 2023;
• Eligible applicants
• Companies (micro, small, medium and large enterprises, including start-ups) or autonomous companies legally established and registered with ONRC in Romania; minimum 70% of production for own consumption;
• Eligible activities
• purchase of plant/equipment for the construction of new electricity generation capacity from renewable sources of wind, solar, hydro, geothermal, biomass or biogas;
• buildings that are the subject of a project to produce electricity from renewable sources of wind, solar, hydro, geothermal, biomass, or biogas.

***

About REI Grup

REI FINANCE ADVISORS and REI INTERNATIONAL CONSULTING, part of REI Grup, are companies specialized in developing, implementing and monitoring the investment projects from the EU non-reimbursable funds (Regional Operational Program, Big Infrastructure Operational Programme, The National Rural Development Programme), as well as state aid schemes (GD 495/2014, GD 807/2014, GD 332/2014, GEO 81/2019, GEO 130/2020).

According to 2021 data, REI is the second largest national consulting company specialized in attracting EU funding and state aid.

The REI team currently consists of more than 80 consultants, mainly senior-level, in 13 regional offices, with extensive experience in attracting non-reimbursable funds for local or international companies.

REI has successfully attracted funding for more than 1,000 clients in Romania, with more than 1,000 projects implemented and a success rate – leading in the field – of 99%.

With over 10 years experience in this field, REI specialists adapt easily to market requirements, knowing very well the mechanisms of non-reimbursable funds and identifying opportunities for obtaining financing from internal and external sources. The team effectively manage project activities, the relationship with public authorities and private companies, both multinational companies and Romanian business companies. More details about REI Grup activity can be foundhere.

[1] https://mfe.gov.ro/poc-ghidul-aferent-actiunii-4-1-1-bis-investitii-in-retehnologizare-acordate-imm-urilor-din-domeniul-industriei-alimentare-si-al-constructiilor-in-vederea-refacerii-capacitatii-de-rezili/

[2] https://mfe.gov.ro/programe/autoritati-de-management/am-poim/

[3] https://mfe.gov.ro/pnrr/

[4] http://economie.gov.ro/anunt-privind-ajutorul-de-stat-privind-acordarea-de-granturi-pentru-investitii-destinate-industriei-prelucratoare

[5] https://www.research.gov.ro/ro/articol/5626/programe-europene-planul-na-ional-de-redresare-i-rezilien-a-pnrr-transformare-digitala-componenta-7

[6] https://energie.gov.ro/category/fondul-pentru-modernizare/