Where to obtain funding to implement actions recommended in a company energy audit?

In Poland, there are many programs and instruments that support companies in carrying out efficiency investments – from grants and loans to white certificates. The choice of the appropriate source depends on the nature of the investment, the size of the enterprise, and the planned implementation schedule. We have reviewed the most important financing options for the actions typically recommended in an enterprise energy audit, which are worth considering before making an investment decision.

White certificates

Energy efficiency certificates, known as white certificates, are a support mechanism aimed at companies planning to implement projects that improve energy efficiency. These certificates confirm the achieved energy savings and are a tradable commodity on the Polish Power Exchange (TGE).

From a financial perspective, white certificates act as a form of reimbursement for part of the costs incurred for the investment. However, it is worth remembering that this system works post factum – the investment (after prior application for and granting of the white certificate) must first be completed and documented, and only then does the certificate gain usable value. Regardless of how the initial capital is obtained, white certificates can significantly shorten the payback period of an investment.

National Recovery and Resilience Plan (KPO)

One of the tools supporting the green transition is the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (KPO), under which Poland will receive nearly €60 billion – in the form of grants and loans. One of the five pillars of this plan is reducing the energy intensity of the economy.

Under the KPO, support is planned for projects related to, among others, energy modernization of buildings, investments in energy efficiency in industry, and the development of renewable energy sources. Funding may take the form of non-repayable grants or low-interest loans.

Fundusz Modernizacyjny

The Modernization Fund is another source of funding dedicated to energy-saving investments, including improving energy efficiency and decarbonizing the industrial sector. It is financed from the sale of CO₂ emission allowances under the EU ETS, with Poland receiving more than 43.41% of the available budget. 
The support will cover investments in renewable energy sources, energy storage, modernization of energy grids, modernization of the national power system, and projects to improve energy efficiency. Importantly, support is available both for large industrial plants and medium-sized companies planning an energy transition.

Fundusz Sprawiedliwej Transformacji

The supports areas most affected by the consequences of the energy transition. In Poland, support covers, among others, the voivodeships of śląskie, dolnośląskie, wielkopolskie, małopolskie, łódzkie and lubelskie. The fund will support investments in areas such as digital connectivity, clean energy technologies, emission reduction, regeneration of industrial sites, workforce reskilling, and technical assistance.

ESCO – investment financing by an external partner

The ESCO (Energy Saving Company) model allows efficiency projects to be implemented without using a company’s own capital. The ESCO company is responsible for the entire process – from design through financing to implementation. Payment to the ESCO is tied to the actual energy savings achieved by the client.

This model allows companies to focus on their core operations while benefiting from modern technologies that improve efficiency. In the Polish market, ESCO providers include Veolia ESCO, E.ON Energy Solutions, Siemens Financial Services, Tauron NT, and DB Energy. The advantage of the ESCO model is the strong alignment of client and provider interests – the greater the savings, the greater the profit for both parties.

Fundusze Europejskie dla Nowoczesnej Gospodarki (FENG)

The FENG program is one of the funding sources for enterprises wishing to invest in innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable development. FENG focuses on projects that increase the competitiveness of enterprises, with particular emphasis on investments in modern technologies, automation, digitalization, and pro-environmental activities.

The FENG budget amounts to nearly €8 billion, and available instruments include both non-repayable grants and repayable instruments – loans, guarantees, or equity support.

Fundusze Europejskie na Infrastrukturę, Klimat i Środowisko (FEnIKS)

The total budget of the FEnIKS program exceeds €29 billion, a significant portion of which is allocated to projects supporting energy efficiency and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Under FEnIKS, enterprises can obtain funding for a wide range of activities, from technological modernization to the construction of renewable energy installations.

Narodowy Fundusz Ochrony Środowiska i Gospodarki Wodnej (NFOŚiGW)

NFOŚiGW is one of the institutions offering support for environmental protection and energy efficiency projects in Poland. The fund implements both national and European programs, acting as an operator for resources from FEnIKS and the Modernization Fund.

For enterprises interested in implementing post-audit measures, NFOŚiGW offers a wide catalog of programs, including:

• The “Cogeneration for Energy and Industry” program – supporting investments in high-efficiency cogeneration, with a budget of PLN 3.5 billion launched in 2024;
• Programs for energy-intensive industry – financing technological modernization and reducing the energy intensity of production processes;

Why act after a company energy audit?

Conducting an energy audit is just the beginning of an enterprise’s energy transition. Its results show the savings potential and indicate specific actions to implement – from simple upgrades to advanced technological projects. The question is: when and how to implement them?

Effective implementation of the actions indicated in the energy audit requires appropriate financial resources. Fortunately, in Poland there are many support programs – both national and EU – that can significantly reduce investment costs and accelerate the achievement of energy goals.

Let’s summarize – the most popular sources of financing for energy efficiency and emission reduction investments are:

• White certificates (energy efficiency certificates),
• National Recovery and Resilience Plan (KPO),
• Fundusz Modernizacyjny,
• Fundusz Sprawiedliwej Transformacji,
• FENG program,
• FEnIKS program,
• NFOŚiGW offer,
• ESCO model financing.

The choice of the appropriate tool depends on the specifics of the investment, the scale of the project, the company’s location, as well as its creditworthiness and organizational capacity. However, regardless of the chosen form, one thing is certain – after conducting an audit, it is not worth delaying. A well-planned and financed modernization means not only savings but also a competitive advantage.