Secure process heat grants – utilize waste heat, reduce energy consumption, and accelerate investments.
ONI supports companies in structuring eligible process heat projects (e.g., waste heat utilization, heat recovery, renewable process heat) in a technically sound manner and preparing them for submission—with a clear focus on efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and feasibility.
To this end, we combine analysis, concept development, and application submission into a clear process: from assessing the current situation and evaluating potential savings to the structured preparation of documentation.
Many companies have usable waste heat or opportunities to generate process heat more efficiently—often from compressed air, cooling water, or process heat sources. That’s exactly where ONI comes in: We identify usable energy, develop a customized concept, and translate technical details into robust decision-making and grant application documents.
Core Funding Logic (Typical Programs):
We assess which measures are generally eligible for funding and how they must be clearly defined as projects. In doing so, we examine system boundaries, objectives (energy efficiency / resource efficiency), and practical feasibility within the company. This provides early clarity on which funding options are realistic and which approach offers the best starting point.
A successful application requires reliable data: current status, operational profiles, and a clearly defined target scenario. We prepare assumptions and supporting documentation in such a way that the savings potential is transparent and conclusive—including references to processes, energy, and operating costs. This reduces the need for follow-up questions and improves the quality of the application.
We bundle technical measures into a clear package and present them in a way that allows for a cost-benefit comparison. This makes it clear which optimization measures have which effects—and how combinations (e.g., renewable energy, heat recovery, electrification) impact the overall picture. The result is a decision-making proposal that is also economically viable.
We assist with the preparation and compilation of application documents and coordinate the next steps with all stakeholders. At the same time, we prepare for implementation in a way that ensures deadlines, documentation requirements, and project logic align—so that the project can get off to a quick start once funding is approved. Upon request, we also support transitions from basic funding to premium funding, provided the project logic makes this a sensible approach.
Many projects fail not because of the idea itself, but because of details: unclear system boundaries, missing source data, or an application submitted too late. Often, the documentation for resource-related optimization or the delineation of individual measures is not formulated clearly enough—which triggers follow-up questions and wastes time.
We help you avoid these risks: with clear definitions, a robust data foundation, and a process that accounts for deadlines and internal decision-making channels. This ensures funding remains predictable, costs are transparent, and implementation can begin without unnecessary delays.
Bernhard Gell | Project Manager | HILTI
“For over 20 years, ONI has been responsible for the installation and technical support of refrigeration systems at Hilti Kunststofftechnik GmbH. During this time, our experience working with them has been entirely positive, both in terms of their consulting services and the quality of their work and technical support.”
Bernhard Gell | Project Manager | HILTI
“For over 20 years, ONI has been responsible for the installation and technical support of refrigeration systems at Hilti Kunststofftechnik GmbH. During this time, our experience working with them has been entirely positive, both in terms of their consulting services and the quality of their work and technical support.”
Kunststoff- und Elektrotechnik GmbH
Kunststoff- und Elektrotechnik GmbH uses refrigeration systems from Oni-Wärmetrafo GmbH at its production site in Mönchweiler.
Generally, measures that provide or utilize process heat more efficiently are eligible for funding—for example, optimizing system technology, utilizing waste heat, integrating renewable energy, or electrifying process heat applications. It is essential that the measure be clearly defined and that a demonstrable improvement in energy efficiency or resource efficiency can be documented.
In simple terms: Basic funding serves as an entry point with clearly defined requirements, while premium funding often involves stricter requirements regarding evidence, impact, and documentation—but can be more attractive as a result. Which option makes sense for your company depends on the project, the data, and the planned set of measures.
Typically, this includes a clear description of the project, a definition of the measure(s), baseline data (current status), assumptions regarding energy savings, and a structured cost overview. Depending on the program, this may also include technical documentation, timelines, and details regarding integration into processes and existing facilities.
Through a transparent comparison of the current state and the target state/scenario, operational profiles, energy requirements, operating times, and relevant process parameters are derived in a traceable manner. It is important that assumptions are documented and that the impact of the measure is evaluated under realistic operating conditions (not just in a “best-case” scenario).
Depending on the program, a repayment subsidy reduces the actual amount you have to repay for the subsidized portion of the financing, which can improve the financial viability of your project. Whether and how this applies in your case depends on the program, the costs, and the specific details of the project.
Ideally, as early as possible, before decisions are finalized or measures are implemented. Common stumbling blocks include unclear system boundaries, a lack of baseline data, measures that aren’t clearly defined, or a timeline that doesn’t align with deadlines and internal approvals. With a structured analysis and a clear roadmap, the application process becomes much easier to plan.
