Interest-free loans for Czech firms are back: NRB allocates two billion for energy savings

The National Development Bank (NRB) has reopened applications for the New Energy Savings programme. The higher allocation is accompanied by a lower grant contribution and support limited to five regions. In the first month after launch, applications for support worth CZK 200 million were received.

Since 5 August, businesses of any size have once again been able to apply for a loan under the New Energy Savings programme. It is funded by the Technology and Applications for Competitiveness Operational Programme (OP TAK), whose programming period expires next year. Investments listed as examples include insulation of building envelopes, the replacement or refurbishment of windows, doors and other openings, construction modifications reducing buildings' energy demand, and their adaptation to a changing climate. Support for firms also covers, among other things, investments in cooling systems, ventilation with heat recovery, humidity control, hot-water heating and the deployment of renewable energy sources.

The new call has an allocation of CZK 2 billion, CZK 230 million more than in the previous round. Under NRB conditions, loans ranging from CZK 500,000 to CZK 60 million can be drawn, covering up to 90% of a project's eligible costs. This is accompanied by a grant contribution of up to 20% of eligible costs, although it is paid only after the project is completed. It depends on the savings actually achieved and cannot exceed the loan drawn. The loan repayment period is set at ten years, with principal repayments deferred for up to two years.