The Innovation tender (InnAusV) represents a further Funding instrument for the energy transition in Germany. The legislator introduced them in order to go beyond the traditional EEG support system and to promote innovative approaches in the field of renewable energies to provide targeted support. Organized by the Federal Network Agency, the process takes place twice a year - on 1 May and 1 September - and is primarily aimed at so-called "newcomers". System combinationswhich are still in the planning phase.
Promotion of large PV systems incl. storage
The innovation tenders therefore provide special support for all technical solutions that consist of mergers of renewable energy systems with storage facilities. This also applies to PV systems in connection with Large battery storage systems as Grid-compatible energy solutions. These combinations not only contribute to the generation of renewable electricity, but also make an important contribution to Grid stability and to balance load peaks. In contrast to the regular EEG tenders, the focus here is less on the lowest price and more on the added value for stabilizing the public electricity grids of the projects. For operators of large PV systems with storage, the innovation tender thus opens up Attractive funding opportunities and at the same time the opportunity to actively contribute to making the electricity system more flexible.
Legal basis of an innovation tender
The legal basis for the innovation tenders is essentially derived from the Renewable Energies Act and the Innovation Tendering Ordinance (InnAusV). The following are particularly relevant §39n EEGwhich sets out the main features of the tender and the possibility of promoting innovative system combinations.
In addition to this, the InnAusV specifies the Details of the tender procedure. Among other things, it regulates the requirements for eligible installations, the structure of the innovation bonuses, the deadlines and formal requirements for the submission of bids and the criteria for the award of prizes.
Compared to regular EEG tenders, the innovation tender allows certain deviations in order to specifically promote technological developments and system-beneficial solutions. The InnAusV thus forms a specialized set of rules for implementing the objectives defined in Section 39n EEG and serves as a legal framework for the practical implementation of the procedures by the Federal Network Agency.
Project requirements for innovation tenders
System combinations must meet the following key requirements for innovation tenders issued by the Federal Network Agency:
- Composition: It must be a combination of several systems using different renewable energies or a combination of renewable energy and storage. At least one system must use onshore wind energy or solar radiation energy (photovoltaics).
- Common grid connection point: All subsystems must feed into the grid via a common grid connection point.
- Minimum performance: The entire system combination must have an output of at least 1,001 kilowatts. There is no minimum size for individual sub-systems.
- Storage requirements: Storage systems may only store electricity from the other subsystems. The storage capacity must be designed in such a way that the storage system can store electricity that can be fully fed out within two hours. The total capacity of the storage system must correspond to at least 25 % of the total capacity of the system combination
- New plants: All subsystems must not have been put into operation by the bid date.
- Registration: All subsystems must be registered as projects in the market master data register before the bidding date.
- Network serviceability: The system combination must generally be suitable for providing positive secondary control power or supporting other grid services (e.g. absorbing peak loads).
- No double funding: The systems must not already be subsidized by other EEG subsidy programs.
Minimum technical requirements for PV systems & storage systems
In order to meet the minimum requirements for participation in an innovation tender, the overall system must have a capacity of at least 1,001 kW. In practice, for example, a PV system of around 750 kW and a 251 kW storage system with a capacity of at least 500 kW are sufficient. In this case, the storage capacity is 25 % of the total capacity and the storage system can fully feed out the electricity within two hours.
Process of an innovation tender
The tender conditions, the volume and the maximum value are published five to eight weeks before the deadline for the innovation tender. In 2024, for example, the maximum value permitted was 9.18 ct/kWh and the average surcharge value for 8.33 ct/kWh. For the first tender in 2025, the Federal Network Agency set the maximum value at 9.00 ct/kWh.
Eligible bidders must submit their bids by the deadline and exclusively in written form by post. Electronic submissions are not permitted. After the bid deadline, the Federal Network Agency will check all submissions for correctness of form and content. As a rule, the most economical and grid-compatible projects are awarded contracts, with the most favorable bids being awarded in the event of oversubscription.
Once the project has been awarded, it must be implemented within a specified period - usually 30 months. There is an obligation to report on progress and sanctions may be imposed in the event of non-compliance. The funding is paid out via a sliding market premiumwhich is only paid if the market value of the electricity is below the awarded bid value. In the event of negative exchange electricity prices, the subsidy payment is canceled for the period in question.
Advantages of participating in an innovation tender
Participation in an innovation tender offers companies, project developers and investors several strategic advantages. In contrast to traditional EEG tenders, the focus here is not solely on the lowest price, but on the combination of economic efficiency and system relevance. Projects that combine photovoltaics with storage, for example, benefit from a more targeted promotion and one higher acceptance in the tendering process.
The sliding market premium is a special incentive: it offers a certain Planning securityas it partially cushions fluctuations on the electricity market. In addition, operators of such systems are positioning themselves for the future - as providers of flexible, grid-friendly solutions that are gaining in importance in an increasingly volatile electricity system. Furthermore, successful participation can also send a positive signal to investors, banks and business partners, as it demonstrates technological expertise and regulatory compliance.
Developments & political classification
The innovation tender is a key instrument of the German government to promote system integration in addition to the pure expansion of renewable energies. With the targeted promotion of system combinations such as photovoltaics plus storage, the legislator is supporting technical solutions that contribute to grid stability, load shifting and security of supply. In political and professional circles, the innovation tender is therefore considered an important component of the energy transition - particularly in view of the ambitious expansion targets by 2030 and the increasing volatility in the electricity system.
In future, the volume of tenders is expected to increase and the requirements will become more differentiated. Hybrid systems with additional flexibility components such as power-to-heat or intelligent control could also become more of a focus. The political objective is clear: not only more renewable energy, but also more system efficiency. For project developers, this means attractive long-term prospects, but also the need to keep pace in terms of technology and regulation.