To make this measure more effective and tailored to the specific context of your company, we recommend that you first perform an overall analysis of your energy situation.
Implementation of a variable speed system on dust or fumes extractor fans
The project consists in setting up a speed regulation system on the extractor fan, activated by the machines in operation which actually require the extraction of sawdust or fumes. It involves the addition of valves and a speed variator on the extractor fan. The valves open only when the machine is operating and the fan flow rate adjusts according to the pressure.
Installing this technology, which has been available on the market for more than 5 years, the company can save significantly, up to 50%, on its electricity bills (depending on the baseline production regime) and reduce its carbon footprint. This measure is quite simple to implement, can show a rapid return on investment, and does not require a production shutdown during installation.
Energy and environmental impact
Reducing the extractor fan speed reduces the fan’s power consumption exponentially. What’s more, if the filter is not equipped with energy recovery, the heat of the extracted air is simply replaced by fresh outside air. By installing a heat exchanger, it is possible to decrease the workshop’s heating consumption in winter.
Adjusting the air extraction to the actual operation of the machines therefore makes it possible to save on electricity (fan) and heating bills.
Subsidy application
State subsidy application
Please note: any application for government or non-government subsidies must comply with the “incentive effect”, subject to compliance with the subsidy conditions.
To ensure that the incentive effect of the aid is respected, no binding commitments may be made (acceptance of a quote; advance)
- SME Packages – Sustainability
- Flat-rate subsidy of €5.000 for small and medium-sized companies for projects to reduce their environmental impact, costing between €5.000 and €6.650 excluding VAT
- For any questions:
- Chambre des Métiers for craftsmen (Chamber of Skilled Trades and Crafts)
- Chambre de Commerce for companies in the non-craft sectors
- Temporary environmental impact aid
Extended “SME Packages Sustainability” aid scheme, to give companies greater incentives to invest in measures that substantially improve their environmental impact.- Verification of company eligibility and costs: Ministry of the Economy (Department for Support to SMEs)
- For any questions:
- House of Entrepreneurship of the Chamber de Commerce
- Environmental protection scheme – Investment aid for the protection of the environment
- Verification of company eligibility and costs: General Directorate for Industry, new Technology and Research
- Support in drawing up the aid application file prior to submission to the Ministry of the Economy
- For any questions: Luxinnovation
- More information on investing in the environment can be found in the Guide simplifié pour les entreprises (Simplified Guide for Companies)
N.B. While several state subsidies cannot be granted for the same project, they can be combined with assistance from energy suppliers.
Subsidies from electricity and natural gas suppliers
Since 2015, natural gas and electricity suppliers are required to make energy savings for consumers under the obligation scheme. Since then, energy suppliers have been offering support and advice, as well as subsidy programmes for consumers to implement energy efficiency measures. The amount of the premium is proportional to the annual energy saving (in MWh). The following suppliers offer this service for companies:
N.B.: Supplier subsidies can be combined with a state subsidy for the same project.