New 2025 Site Protection Act eases energy costs for businesses

The 2025 Site Protection Act has come into force as a temporary support programme for 2025 and 2026. It aims to help energy-intensive businesses with rising electricity prices and indirect CO₂ costs. The European Commission has already approved the funding guidelines for the scheme. To qualify, companies must consume over 1 gigawatt-hour of electricity per facility each year. They must also invest at least 80% of any grant received into energy efficiency and decarbonisation measures. Additionally, businesses are required to carry out an energy audit or adopt an energy or environmental management system.

The scheme will cover up to 75% of a company’s actual indirect CO₂ expenses. However, the maximum grant per calendar year is limited to €75 million. Further information about the programme is available on the website of the funding agency, aws. The scheme will reimburse indirect CO₂ costs for eligible businesses during 2025 and 2026. It is designed to offset some of the financial strain caused by high electricity prices. Companies meeting the criteria can now apply for support under the new rules.