Compressed air is one of the largest electricity loads on an industrial site. In France, Germany and Spain, public schemes can cover part of the cost of a more efficient compressor or a heat recovery project. Each country works differently, and in every case timing matters: eligibility is checked before you order, not after.
France: energy savings certificates (CEE)
Under the French certificats d'économies d'énergie scheme, energy suppliers (the "obligés") must finance energy savings. They pay incentives, directly or through "délégataires", to companies carrying out eligible work. The French Ministry for the Ecological Transition publishes standardised operation sheets. For industry, three concern compressed air:
- IND-UT-103: heat recovery system on an air compressor (heat used on site for space heating, hot water or a process).
- IND-UT-136: motor-regulated systems, which can cover an air compressor with a speed drive, sensors, a control loop and an energy meter.
- IND-UT-102: electronic variable speed drive on an asynchronous motor, with "air compressor" listed as an application.
According to the ministry, the obligé's contribution must come before the operation is committed, which in practice means before you sign the quote. The incentive amount is set by the obligé, not by the State.
Germany: BAFA, EEW Module 1
In Germany, the Bundesförderung für Energie- und Ressourceneffizienz in der Wirtschaft (EEW) is run by the BAFA. Module 1 "cross-cutting technologies" covers high-efficiency compressed air generators and their control, as well as heat exchangers for heat recovery on existing plants.
According to the BAFA page in 2026:
| Item | BAFA figure |
|---|---|
| Eligible applicants | small and medium-sized enterprises only |
| Grant rate, small companies | 25 % of eligible costs |
| Grant rate, medium companies | 20 % of eligible costs |
| Minimum investment | 2,000 euros per measure |
| Maximum grant | 200,000 euros |
The new equipment must replace an existing installation. A subsidised KfW loan is offered as an alternative to the grant.
Spain: energy savings certificates (CAE)
Spain introduced Certificados de Ahorro Energético by Royal Decree 36/2023. One CAE equals 1 kWh of final energy saved. The MITECO catalogue includes industrial sheets such as IND090 (replacing an air compressor with a more efficient one), IND110 (heat recovery from a compressor for heating) and IND240 (installing a variable speed drive).
The savings are sold to an obligated or delegated party, and an ENAC-accredited verifier checks them. MITECO counts the earliest of the start of works or the first firm equipment order as the start date. National (IDAE) and regional programmes also exist, with conditions that vary by call.
Where AIRSTAHL fits
The S 220 PM (22 kW, permanent magnet motor, variable speed) is the natural candidate for variable speed projects. Its eligibility is never automatic: it must be checked against the specific sheet or programme and your installation.
Heat recovery is an installation project in its own right (heat exchanger, connection, use of the heat). We study it with you and your installer, site by site.
Start with the numbers
A funding file is stronger when current consumption is known. Our compressed air audit measures what your installation really uses. For a first estimate, try the electricity cost calculator and the leak cost calculator, or read our guide to compressor energy costs.
What we do, and what we don't
Rules change regularly: always check eligibility before ordering. We help you build your file by gathering datasheets, manufacturer declarations and compliant quotes.
AIRSTAHL does not pay the grant and does not guarantee that it will be awarded. The incentive is paid by the obligated party, delegated party or public body concerned, under its own conditions.