Drought pilot projects – support for water saving partnerships

The experimental drought programme is a temporary subsidy that supports innovative projects in which at least three parties cooperate and mitigate a local (potential) water shortage by exchanging water flows to work against the existing drought problem. 

What is the purpose of the grant?  

The objective of the grant programme is to increase water availability and circular water use in areas of water stress. 

Who can submit an application?  

Support is granted to partnerships of at least three companies working together locally on a joint project.  

Both non-profit companies and public companies can participate in the partnership. 

How much funding is there?  

The application for a grant is for a minimum of 50,000 euro and for a maximum of 75% of the project budget (excluding VAT).  

• De-minimis: This measure falls under the application of the European de-minimis regulation. This means that the total de minimis aid to companies over three years may not exceed 200,000 euro (max. 100,000 euro for transport and max. 20,000 euro for agriculture).  

The aid budget for the 2022 call is approximately 4 million euro.   

Which costs are eligible?  

Only investment costs are eligible (no land purchases). Costs for accompanying activities (preparatory studies, project coordination, costs for communication and knowledge sharing, …) can be contributed up to a maximum of 20% of the subsidisable project budget. 

Which projects are eligible?    

To reduce the risk of water scarcity, the investment project focuses on water saving measures, the use of alternative water sources and circular water use to reduce the use of and dependence on primary water sources (groundwater, surface water and drinking water). 

How do I apply for funding and what are the deadlines?  

The procedure for submitting a project proposal is divided into two phases:   

1. In the guidance phase, a first assessment of the project’s chances of success is made on the basis of a brief proposal. The initiator receives feedback on this and decides on the basis of this feedback whether or not to submit a final application.   

2. The feedback from the guidance moment is taken into account in the final proposal.  

DEADLINE: The call 2022 will be open until 30 May 2022 at noon for the submission of project proposals. 

FI Group has 20 years of experience and wants to support you in understanding and intercepting the available R&D+I opportunities. Our experts are at your disposal to analyse your project and to take the next steps together with you.