Further Development of Germany’s National Climate Initiative

Scientific Support and Further Development of the Funding Programmes under the National Climate Initiative (NKI)

Client

BMUKN

Duration

June 2026 – May 2030

Background

Through its National Climate Initiative (Nationale Klimaschutzinitiative, NKI), the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN) has been funding climate action projects throughout Germany since June 2008, thereby making a significant contribution to achieving the country’s climate targets. The NKI is financed through the Climate and Transformation Fund (KTF), with a total annual budget of €370 million in 2025 and €402 million in 2026.

The programme targets municipalities, businesses, consumers, and civil society actors. Its objectives extend beyond the mere reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Through advisory services, awareness-raising activities, investment grants, and pilot projects, the NKI seeks to overcome barriers, promote climate-friendly behaviour, stimulate climate-friendly innovation and investment, and thereby support the transition towards a climate-neutral society.

The funded activities range from innovative projects focusing on information dissemination, networking, and capacity building, to the development and implementation of local climate action concepts supported by dedicated climate managers under the Municipal Guideline (Kommunalrichtlinie), as well as investment-oriented flagship and broad-based programmes designed to accelerate the market uptake of climate protection technologies.

A particular focus is placed on municipal climate action. In this context, the NKI comprises several funding programmes and funding calls, of which four funding guidelines and calls are currently active.

Goals and Results

The objective of this contract is to provide scientific support for the National Climate Initiative (NKI) funding portfolio and to further develop its funding programmes during the period 2026–2030. This work takes place against the backdrop of evolving societal conditions, social developments, and technological opportunities. The scientific advancement of the funding portfolio will be guided by adaptation to changing framework conditions, such as the recent transfer of climate policy responsibilities from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) to the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN). It will also address key challenges for climate policy in Germany, including increasingly constrained public funding for climate action and questions concerning the political and societal acceptance of ambitious climate policies.

A central objective of the contract is therefore to place greater emphasis on the unifying effects of climate action and on strengthening public acceptance of climate policies. In particular, the following objectives are pursued:

The consolidation of the two funding calls for model solutions (Cycling Infrastructure and Model Projects) into a single programme running from 2026 to 2030, combined with clearly defined thematic priorities whose content and design will be informed by the scientific support activities.

The preparation and scientific support of a comprehensive revision of the Municipal Climate Action Guideline (Kommunalrichtlinie, KRL), as the current guideline expires on 31 December 2027.

The launch in 2026 of the funding call “Federal Support for Pioneer Municipalities towards Greenhouse Gas-Neutral Municipal Administration”, targeting smaller municipalities with up to 50,000 inhabitants.

The assessment of whether the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Guideline (Kälte-Klima-Richtlinie) and the Electric Cargo Bike Guideline (E-Lastenrad-Richtlinie) should be continued beyond 2026 and 2027, respectively.