Enoprimes: grants for your energy-efficiency renovations

Did you know you could benefit from a grant for some types of energy-efficiency renovations in your home? So, as well as saving money on your energy bills and doing your bit for the environment, you’ll also be getting help with the financing of your investment! What type of building work is covered, and how do you apply?

Suzanne and her husband Benoît have owned their house in Hesperange for a number of years. They’re planning to replace their heating system with a system that’s more environmentally friendly and above all economical.

They’re aware of the enoprimes programme, which provides grants in return for energy-saving investments in homes. It was their neighbour Simon who told them about it, as he has already benefited from a grant for the installation of his new windows. The couple are wondering whether their plans are eligible for a grant and, if so, how to go about applying.

The grants are provided (…) in order to offset the cost of renovation projects that lead to energy savings.

Enoprimes help offset the cost of energy-saving investments

The enoprimes programme was set up in 2015 in order to help deliver on the energy-saving objectives of the European Union and Luxembourg government. The grants are provided by energy suppliers Enovos and Sudenergie in order to offset the cost of renovation projects that lead to energy savings.

The programme is aimed at individuals but also companies and government bodies (municipalities, public organisations, etc.) that own a property in Luxembourg, regardless of their energy supplier.

Several types of renovation work are eligible for the programme. For private individuals wishing to carry out renovation work in their house, apartment or even their second home, provided it is in Luxembourg, it includes:

• • Replacement of the heating system: installation of a condensing gas boiler, air-to-water heat pump, geothermal heat pump or wood-burning system;
  • Insulation work: thermal insulation of external walls, roof, loft or underfloor;
  • Replacement windows;
  • installation of a solar power system;
  • Fitting of a mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery or double flow ventilation.

NB: enoprimes financial support applies to existing homes only; new build properties are not eligible.

Benoît and Suzanne inquired about the type of heating system that would be the best replacement for their current gas boiler. They decide that the installation of an aerothermal (air/water) heat pump is the most appropriate solution based on the layout of their home. What’s more, given that they had insulation work done on their home a few years ago, they’ll be able to get maximum benefit out of their new heating system.

The project therefore qualifies for the enoprimes programme. Provided they comply with the eligibility conditions (constraints relating to the noise emitted by the heat pump in particular), they should be able to benefit from this financial helping hand.

Useful info: If the couple had needed to renew the insulation in their home as well as install a heat pump, they could have requested a grant for each type of project. One would have covered the insulation upgrade and the other the replacement of the heating system. On the other hand, Suzanne et Benoît are not entitled to submit a second application to a different energy provider in relation to the same project.

The enoprimes programme can be combined with other government as well as private and local authority support.

How much support is available?

The grant amount is not linked to the renovation costs or to the couple’s income. Instead it depends on the energy savings that result from the work: the greater the savings, the bigger the grant (except for fixed-amount grants).

The amount of grant for the work on Suzanne and her husband’s house will depend on the floor space of the home, the prior completion or otherwise of insulation work, the type of heating system that will be replaced and what type of new system is being installed.

To get an idea of the amount of grant, they can check out the online simulator on the enoprimes.lu website. However, they should be aware that the grant obviously can’t exceed the total cost of their investment!

Useful info: The enoprimes programme can be combined with other government as well as private and local authority support.

The couple can also benefit by obtaining information on the additional financial support available to them in connection with the installation of their heat pump. Using the Klima-Agence simulator, the couple can find out whether they’re eligible, subject to conditions, for the government’s Klimabonus subsidy as well as for support from their local authority! Great news – and it makes them even keener to invest in their project.

It’s essential to apply for the grant BEFORE you sign the contract with the tradesman.

What steps do you need to take in order to obtain an enoprimes grant?

Suzanne’s neighbour Simon had warned her that: “It’s essential to apply for the grant BEFORE you sign any contract for building works or the purchase of building materials. If you don’t, you won’t receive a grant!” She took on board what he said, but needs to know how to proceed.

Actually, it’s all very straightforward: All it takes is to request a quote from one of the enoprimes partners. The tradesman or energy adviser will then take care of the paperwork involved in order to submit the application. Once the quote and grant offer have been signed, the building work can begin. After the work has been completed, the partner organisation sends the supporting documents to enoprimes and the subsidy is paid out around four weeks after approval of the project.

Suzanne therefore doesn’t need to worry about red tape, as it’s the organisation that deals with the request and handles the case. All she needs to do is select an organisation that’s listed as an enoprimes partner (list available on enoprimes.lu website).

The couple now have all the information they need in order to get their renovation project off the ground and improve the energy performance of their house. For more information, go to www.enoprimes.lu.