Cindrigo Holdings has secured expanded eligibility for German government support across its geothermal licence portfolio under the Federal Funding for Efficient Heat Networks (BEW) programme administered by BAFA.
The company said in a statement that funding eligibility under BEW Module 1 has been extended for its Eich and Worms licence areas until 25 February 2027, while its Weinheim licence has been approved for the first time.
The scheme provides grants covering up to 50% of eligible pre-development costs, capped at €2mn per licence, to support feasibility studies and planning for renewable district heating networks.
“Germany is actively encouraging the development of renewable district heating infrastructure, and the BAFA-administered BEW programme forms an important part of that strategy,” said Lars Guldstrand, Cindrigo’s CEO.
“The extension of BEW Module 1 eligibility support for Eich and Worms, together with the first-time approval for Weinheim, highlights the continued commitment of the German state to supporting the development of renewable district heating infrastructure which aligns strongly with the development of our geothermal interests.”
The statement also reported that the company has incurred around €300,000 of qualifying expenditure to date across the projects.
Cindrigo is also progressing a heat demand feasibility study for its Eich licence, which it said would support potential eligibility for BEW Module 2 funding.
Module 2 can provide grants of up to 40% of eligible costs for construction and expansion of renewable district heating systems, with a maximum of €100mn per project under current rules.
Cindrigo holds an 85% interest in the Eich, Worms and Weinheim licences in Germany’s Upper Rhine Valley. In addition, it also has a biomass project in Finland.
The German portfolio covers around 125 square kilometres and the company estimates potential capacity of about 300 MW of district heating and electricity generation, with optional future lithium extraction from geothermal brines.
Guldstrand said that Germany’s policy framework for low-carbon heat development remains supportive and it continues to advance the projects through staged development milestones.
Exploration and preparatory work is ongoing, including subsurface studies, permitting and technical assessments, he added.
“Germany remains one of the most supportive geothermal markets in Europe and we believe our licenced interests are well positioned as the country continues to accelerate the transition toward secure, renewable energy and low-carbon heat networks,” he said.