Subsidy Scheme for Employment of Energy Staff Memebers in Enterprises

Panel: Panel 3: Energy Efficiency options for industry

Author:
Ulla Elm-Larsen, Danish Energy Agency

Abstract

In 1996 a state subsidy scheme concerning employment of energy staff members in small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) with a considerable energy consumption started in Denmark.

In July 1996 a new state subsidy scheme was introduced in Denmark concerning employment of staff members who act either in an energy advisory capacity or involved with the practical energy aspects in small and medium-sized enterprises with a considerable energy consumption. As small and medium-sized enterprises often lack staff members with necessary time or competence to work with energy efficiency and energy savings, the purpose of this scheme is to increase energy efficiency activities and energy awareness in the enterprises by promoting the employment of energy competent persons.

A subsidy of up to 50% of the total project costs may be granted to energy efficiency projects in which at least one new employee is taken on - either as energy staff member or as replacement for an employee who will be working on the project as an energy staff member. The project must contain an increase in the energy efficiency activities of the enterprise and measures must be taken to ensure a continuation of the results after the end of the project. Projects may consist of such tasks as participation in energy audits, planning and implementation of energy management, other energy analyses, planning and implementation of energy efficient purchases, staff training in energy efficiency, etc.

More than one enterprise may participate in the same project. Enterprises may combine energy projects with similar subsidized projects concerning employment of staff members working with environment and working environment conditions.