In November 2024, the Ministry of Energy announced the launch of the project submission procedure for the Electric Up Program – Cycle II, dedicated to HoReCa operators and SMEs, offering grants of up to €150,000 per project for investments in energy sustainability.
- Publication date: November 15, 2024, 08:15 (Radio Romania Newsroom)
- Submission period: November 15 – December 16, 2024, official SME grant platform (granturi.imm.gov.ro)
- Target group: SMEs (according to Law 346/2004) and HoReCa operators (CAEN 5510–5630), regardless of size
Eligible Investments under Electric Up
Economic operators may apply for integrated eco-equipment packages:
- Photovoltaic systems between 27 kWp and 150 kWp, for self-consumption
- EV charging stations ≥ 22 kW (with at least 2 AC/DC charging outlets)
- Storage batteries with capacity ≥ 30% of the produced energy (extra points for ≥ 50%)
- Alternative heating/cooling systems (e.g., heat pumps – max. 30% contribution of the total eligible value)
These may be combined in a unified plan to maximize efficiency and benefits for both the environment and the business.
Key Financial Parameters
| Funding Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Non-reimbursable grant | Up to €150,000 per beneficiary |
| Funding intensity | 75% of eligible expenses |
| Own contribution | Minimum 25%; no initial advance (post-implementation) |
| Pre-financing | Up to 30% (with bank guarantee/insurance for repayment) |
| Budget range | 450 – 596 million lei allocated for Cycle II |
Applicants implement projects under a de minimis scheme, with reimbursement after project completion.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply and receive funding, the applicant must:
- Qualify as an SME under the law
- Be an economic operator in HoReCa (CAEN codes 5510-5630 and 9329)
- Have a power supply contract with minimum 12 months consumption or an energy audit for seasonal activity
- Hold a bank account with the State Treasury, required for de minimis reimbursements
- Be fully operational, without insolvency, suspended activity, or tax disputes
Steps for Enrollment in Cycle II
- Create an SME account on granturi.imm.gov.ro
- Fill in the funding application via the online platform (legal data, CAEN, estimated consumption, etc.)
- Attach mandatory documents: energy analysis, tax certificates from ANAF/DITL, land registry extract, etc.
- Submit the technical-economic project by attaching specifications and offers
- Receive order number (minutes matter at the start of the session)
- Project evaluation based on the Project Performance Coefficient (CPP); superior solutions get priority
- Sign the funding contract within 10 days after eligibility validation
- Request advance/post-contract documents (optional)
- Physical implementation of the investment – max. 12 months from contract signing
- Final reimbursement – grant payment within 60–90 days from acceptance and full documentation
Impact and Strategic Benefit
- SMEs and HoReCa reduce energy costs, increasing profitability and ecological responsibility image
- EV stations and batteries provide energy autonomy, contributing to transport electrification and preventing energy surges in the grid
- Objective: increase installed capacity, improve energy efficiency, and reduce CO₂ footprint through state-of-the-art technological support for businesses
URBANLED Recommendations
“Electric Up – Cycle II” is an exceptional opportunity for SMEs and HoReCa to increase their energy efficiency with non-reimbursable funds. To maximize approval chances:
- Prepare all documents before the session launch, including energy analysis and Treasury account
- Test and simulate completing the application on the platform at least 24h in advance
- Align chosen technology with the official guide to achieve maximum evaluation score
- Work with AFM-accredited installers for fast and smooth installation
- Follow official notifications for possible deadline extensions or guide updates