Romania backs SMEs with EUR 200 million for renewables, EV chargers

Small and medium-sized enterprises and firms in the HoReCa sector will soon be able to apply for the first half of a EUR 200 million incentives package for the installation of solar power systems and chargers for electric vehicles.

The government in Bucharest issued a decree stipulating the start of the Electric-Up program for renewable energy sources. Romania earmarked EUR 200 million in incentives for renewables and chargers for electric cars, intended for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and firms in the hospitality industry, also known as HoReCa – hotels, restaurants and cafés.

Companies can apply for funds for the installation of photovoltaic systems between 27 kW and 100 kW both for own consumption and the delivery of surplus output into the grid. The other part of the scheme is for charging stations of 22 kW for electric vehicles.

State pays up to EUR 100,000 per beneficiary

The entities in the category are eligible for up to 100% of expenses or a maximum of EUR 100,000. Beneficiaries can receive as much as 30% of the sum in advance, according to the government’s ordinance. Otherwise they will be reimbursed for the investment.

Companies can apply for advance payments of a maximum 30%

Of note, the draft submitted to the Government of Romania envisaged advance payments for renewables to small and medium firms and the HoReCa sector of a maximum 50%.

It said the package is aimed to assist the firms in overcoming the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and that it was launched within the National Investment and Economic Recovery Plan (PNIRE), adopted in July.

Renewables scheme for firms in Romania may be deployed by year-end 

The Ministry of Economy, Energy and the Business Environment was tasked with producing a guide within a month so that the program becomes operational and a public call can be published. Officials said earlier that the first round, with half of the total funds, could be finished by the end of the year.

Romania recently approved subsidies of EUR 52.1 million to households that applied for funds for the installation of rooftop solar power systems.