1. Energy efficiency measures (individual)
Measures that lead to lower energy consumption in processes or buildings, with a payback period ≥5 years and which are not on the EML.
Electric steam generator instead of gas-fired boiler
- Example: Laundry or food processor invests in electric steam generation on green electricity.
- Reduction: significant savings on gas consumption.
- Why allowed: Not an EML measure, relatively high investment → payback period ≥5 years.
Electric boiler with thermal buffer for process heat
- Example: Manufacturing company replaces direct gas heating with an electric boiler coupled with low-cost night storage.
- Reduction: lower peak consumption, lower gas consumption.
- Why allowed: Not on EML, customised solution with long payback period.
2. Other CO₂-reducing investments (individual)
Non-energy efficiency measures that do contribute to CO₂ reduction, e.g. through electrification or clean fuels.
Electric forklifts instead of diesel
- Example: Logistics company replaces several diesel forklifts.
- Reduction: direct CO₂ emissions are greatly reduced.
- Why allowed: Not on EML, CO₂ savings at low deployment not immediately recovered → payback period often ≥5 years.
Hydrogen boiler for industrial heat
- Example: Chemical company installs hydrogen boiler connected to local hub.
- Reduction: complete replacement of gas consumption by green H₂.
- Why allowed: Not an EML measure, innovative, costly → long payback period.
Electric excavator or wheel loader for construction company
- Example: Contractor replaces diesel machines with electric models.
- Reduction: CO₂ emissions at work sites drop sharply.
- Why allowed: Not on EML, long payback period with limited use.
3. Collective investments (at least 3 companies).
Joint measures that lead to structural CO₂ reduction and are individually not or less profitable.
Collective heat pump plant for premises on business park
- Example: Several offices or workshops switch to a single heat pump system together.
- Reduction: gas consumption per participant largely eliminated.
- Why allowed: No EML, joint investment with >5 years payback period.
Collective biomass boiler for greenhouse heating or process heat
- Example: Gardeners or production companies share one biomass boiler.
- Reduction: replaces individual natural gas boilers.
- Why allowed: Biomass boiler not on EML, payback period usually ≥5 years.
Collective connection to waste heat or heat grid
- Example: Companies connect to waste heat from nearby factory.
- Reduction: natural gas consumption dropped entirely.
- Why allowed: Not on EML, customisation with infrastructure investment.
Collective electric buffer (e.g. boiler tank or battery) with renewable generation
- Example: Companies store surplus solar energy for off-peak use.
- Reduction: more efficient use of renewable energy → less fossil needed.
- Why allowed: No standard solution, collectively profitable with shared costs.
