Support Programme for the Replacement of Diesel Generators

Mobile diesel generators are used in the construction industry and in agriculture, for emergency operations and film productions, and generally for power supply at events such as open air shows and sporting events. Despite their climate-damaging effects, fossil-powered generators are widely used and are often seen as the only alternative, particularly because there is an extensive network of petrol stations and because maintenance and service providers are widely available. Demand for diesel generators has been increasing worldwide for years, including in Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Liechtenstein. However, they emit CO₂ and particulate matter as well as being loud. 

Alternative power supply 

The myclimate support programme provides financial support for the purchase of tested, sustainable power supplies. Devices that generate and deliver electricity using hydrogen fuel cells and energy storage systems using lithium-ion batteries are eligible for the programme. Both technologies are quiet and cause only a fraction of the CO₂ emissions of a diesel generator. Both technologies have been tested and approved in the countries covered by the programme. 

Loud and dirty? That’s all over now! myclimate promotes renewable alternatives that make economic sense!

Damian Glauser, Project Manager for Climate Protection Projects, myclimate 

Use of funding 

The financial contribution from myclimate helps buyers of alternative power supplies to reduce higher investment costs compared to a diesel generator, thus creating a financial incentive to opt for a more sustainable alternative. The support programme was developed in accordance with the myclimate guidelines for domestic projects and verified by an external auditor. The emission reductions achieved through operations are also verified externally on a regular basis.  

Implementation partners and participation in the programme 

Here’s how you can benefit from the programme: before purchasing an alternative power supply, please contact one of our programme partners. The exact terms and conditions of participation depend on the technology in question and are available from the programme partners. As a general rule, however, 

• the device must primarily be used in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and/or Liechtenstein (German-speaking region). 
• As the owner of the device, you agree to share the device’s operation and GPS data with myclimate over a period of ten years in order to calculate emissions savings. 
• As the owner of the device, you will transfer all CO₂ emission reduction rights to myclimate and will not sell them elsewhere. 
• You undertake to charge the energy storage system only with electricity from a non-fossil fuel source (e.g. electricity from the grid, PV electricity, hydrogen generator). Charging with electricity from a diesel generator or similar is not permitted. Hydrogen generators may only be operated with green hydrogen.

Currently, power supplies from the following programme partners are eligible for funding under the programme: 

• Butler energy storage from emost (technology: lithium-ion battery)

This project contributes to 4 SDGs*

*as of February 2025. Find out how myclimate reports these SDGs in our FAQ.

160 MWh of renewable electricity per year is expected to be provided by alternative power supplies.

By 2024, 11 diesel generators in the range were replaced with sustainable alternatives. 

Contribution to air quality in cities

SDG 13: Around 465 tonnes of CO₂ is expected to be saved annually.