Applications open for Retrofit Grant Scheme (Malta)

The scheme’s focus is to improve energy efficiency, reduce energy demand, lower carbon emissions and limit energy waste through the retrofitting of private sector buildings. Building renovations undertaken are to lead to a reduction of Primary Energy Demand (PED) of at least 30%. This incentive seeks to assist enterprises and voluntary organisations through non-repayable grants to part-finance investments to retrofit their premises, and hence improve their energy and resource efficiency by reducing the energy used for heating, cooling, ventilation, hot water and lighting. This includes actions involving systems for the above energy use as well as interventions on the building envelope that reduce the energy demand required by the above. This investment will address market failure in the private sector in the field of energy and environmental performance in buildings. It aims to improve the energy and environmental performance of buildings by targeting negative externalities, contributing towards energy savings, reduction of greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions. The measure complies with the Do No Significant Harm Technical Guidance, and excludes activities related to fossil fuels, activities under the EU Emission Trading System achieving projected greenhouse gas emissions not lower than the relevant benchmarks, activities related to waste landfills, incinerators and mechanical biological treatment plants, and activities where long-term disposal of waste may cause harm to the environment.

The scheme allocates a total budget of €20,000,000 and will remain operational until June 30, 2026, subject to the availability of funds. Eligible applicants include micro, small, medium and large enterprises, as well as voluntary organisations registered in Malta. Actions must reduce the primary energy demand of the building by reducing the energy used for heating, cooling, ventilation, hot water and lighting, and must achieve at least a 30% reduction in PED compared to the situation prior to investment. The maximum grant amount per applicant is €5,000,000, calculated per square metre of eligible floor area and based on the intensity of PED reduction. Investments should be concluded by March 31, 2026. The application process is managed via periodic cut-off dates in an open rolling call system, and funding is subject to successful assessment against gateway and selection criteria.

Applications must include detailed plans, eligibility documentation, compliance certificates, and proof of private match financing. Approvals require projects to be based and operational in Malta, with all funded investments to remain in place for at least three years (SMEs) or five years (large enterprises) after completion. The scheme mandates compliance with national and EU regulations, and requires that greening and climate mitigation measures be mainstreamed throughout.

For more information, visit FONDI.eu.