Austria has secured EU approval for a new cleantech manufacturing support program
The scheme targets investments in strategic clean technology sectors, including solar and batteries
The measure forms part of broader efforts linked to the EU's Clean Industrial Deal
The European Commission has approved a €100 million Austrian state aid scheme aimed at expanding clean technology manufacturing capacity in the country.
The scheme, approved under the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF) adopted in June 2025, will provide subsidized loans to companies investing in strategic clean technology sectors in Austria.
Funding will be open to small and medium-sized enterprises as well as large companies investing in sectors such as batteries, solar panels and wind energy equipment. Support can be granted until 31 December 2026.
According to the Commission, the measure aligns with CISAF requirements by encouraging the production of clean technologies, key components and related critical raw materials.
The Commission concluded that the scheme is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to help accelerate the shift to a net-zero economy while supporting economic activities linked to the Clean Industrial Deal.
It complements a separate Austrian program approved in December 2025 that made €100 million available as direct grants for cleantech manufacturing projects under CISAF. Grants under this can be provided until October 31, 2026 to support investments that add manufacturing capacity for the production of net-zero technologies and their main specific components.
EU’s CISAF framework is aimed at supporting member state investments in renewable energy, industrial decarbonization, clean technology manufacturing, energy storage, critical raw materials and other projects that contribute to the green transition. It was introduced in June 2025 (see EU Adopts New State Aid Framework To Boost Renewables).
Earlier this year, the commission approved similar cleantech manufacturing schemes for Germany (€3 billion), Greece (€400 million), and Luxembourg (€500 million) (see EU Clears Luxembourg’s €500 Million Cleantech Funding Plan).