Norwegian Funds provide investment opportunities in the inland or sea waters sector

The Polish Agency for Enterprise Development (PARP) has just announced the launch of a new edition of the call for proposals open to businesses operating in the inland or sea waters sector. Eligible projects may concern sustainable development in the area of water, environment conservation and tourism. The most interesting projects, aligned with the goals of the call, may get a funding of up to EUR 2 million. The grant scheme is financed under the Norwegian Financial Mechanism.

“Blue Growth" is the title of the call for proposals launched thanks to the funding available under the Norwegian Grants. Its aim is to co-finance projects which will help businesses to improve their competitiveness thanks to the use of innovative processes, technologies or solutions or the launch of new products or services on the market. The scheme is open to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises whose activities involve inland or sea water) and their immediate environment. Projects should also contribute to reducing pollution of the aquatic environment or its surroundings.

Some sectors of economy, such as fisheries and aquaculture, are actually excluded from applying for funding of their investments. Some others, such as water transport businesses, have but limited possibilities of receiving financial support. Companies from this sector are solely eligible for the co-financing of specific measures, e.g. improved energy efficiency or modenisation of ports, but cannot finance traditional investments, such as purchase of a new water transport fleet. The call can provide  co-financing of EUR 200,000, capped at EUR 2 million.

The financial support could cover investment expenditure, e.g. the purchase of machinery, construction works and materials, as well as development works and consulting services. A separate envelope is dedicated to ports, provided that they meet funding requirements. The beneficiary is required to make its own cash contribution in the amount equal to at least 20% of the total project costs. The project may be implemented independently, but cooperation with a Norwegian entity is desirable. The application may only be submitted in electronic form, via the Application Generator.

– Modern investments in the sea and inland waters sector are essential for tourism and for the natural environment. In the previous application round, funding was awarded to a number of environmentally friendly projects. We still need more investments of that kind – said Waldemar Buda, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Development Funds and Regional Policy.

“Development of a RES-powered harbor on the Great Masurian Lakes Trail” was the project which under the previous edition of the call of proposals received the funding of nearly PLN 1.5 million. The goal is to develop a marina with berths for 18 vessels and the infrastructure for refueling, waste collection, minor repairs and access to electricity and drinking water. The marina will be powered with energy from photovoltaic panels installed on floating piers.

“The implementation of environmentally friendly technologies at Sztynort yacht port” is another environmentally-oriented initiative. King Cross company acquired a yacht port in this Masurian town, now adapted to the needs of those who work remotely and combine their professional duties with active leisure time. The project will include the revitalization of a sewage treatment plant, the purchase of sanitary containers equipped with heat pumps and the acquisition of floating houses. Intended measures will reduce CO² emissions by 18.76 tons per year.

When new products are developed, it is essential that you listen to prospective customers and carefully examine their needs. This assumption was, among all, a starting point for WTW Poland – a business which designs and manufactures water turbines for inland water use and produces mechanical and electrical equipment for small hydropower plants. The idea was born after discussions with the owners and the staff of a power plant who believed that solutions available on the market did not actually meet their needs.

– Under the previous application round, we granted support to projects which may inspire businesses interested in applying for funding in this second round. Consistent and well-thought-out projects, aligned with the principles of sustainable development, have the best chances to win. It is not officially required to take on board environmental issues; however, projects with such focus will have higher chances to get a good score in substantive assessment – commented Monika Karwat-Bury from PARP.

Applications under the “Blue Growth” call of proposals may be submitted between 1 February and 31 March 2022.

The PARP information briefing is scheduled on 14 February 2022 to better explain the terms and conditions of participation in the call.

Live streaming will be available on the Agency Website.

For more information on the call, please check.

The Norwegian Financial Mechanism and the EEA Financial Mechanism are a form of non-reimbursable foreign assistance offered to several countries of Central and Southern Europe and to the Baltic States. The implementation of the Norwegian Grants and EEA Funds in Poland is coordinated by the Ministry of Development Funds and Regional Policy, acting as the National Focal Point. To this end, the Ministry cooperates with the Brussel-based Financial Mechanism Office. Specific programs under the 3^rd Funding edition are implemented by Polish public institutions in their capacity as Program Operators (e.g. the PARP). As in previous funding editions exceptions concern “Civil Society” and “Social Dialogue – Decent Work” areas, which are managed by donors (the Financial Mechanism Office in Brussels and Innovation Norway, respectively).