BAFA Funding for Shock Freezers: Secure Your Grant Until the End of 2026
Anyone purchasing a shock freezer by the end of 2026 can secure a government subsidy: Under the Refrigeration-Climate Directive, BAFA funds commercial refrigeration systems using natural refrigerants. The directive expires on 31 December 2026 — and the application must be submitted before ordering. Here you will find out which devices qualify, how the application process works, and which models from our range meet the crucial criteria.
What is the BAFA Refrigeration-Climate Directive?
The Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) subsidises newly installed refrigeration and air conditioning systems that use non-halogenated — i.e. natural — refrigerants. These include propane (R290), CO₂ (R744) and ammonia (R717). The background: Such systems operate without fluorinated greenhouse gases and often save 30 to 40 percent energy compared to existing systems, according to measurements by the Federal Ministry for the Environment. Subsidies are granted to commercial operators — gastronomy, bakeries, butcheries, food processing. Private individuals are not eligible to apply.
The amount of the grant depends on the system type and cooling capacity and is specified in the funding approval. Only the information from BAFA is binding — this page does not replace funding advice.
Which shock freezers are eligible for funding?
Not every shock freezer qualifies. The decisive factor is not the manufacturer but the technology of the specific model:
- Natural refrigerant: The device must operate with R290 (propane), R744 (CO₂) or another non-halogenated refrigerant. Devices with fluorinated refrigerants like R452A or R455A are excluded.
- Energy efficiency according to the state of the art: Proof is provided via the manufacturer’s data sheet and functional schematic, which must be uploaded to the BAFA application portal.
- Commercial use: The applicant is the business, not the private individual.
Whether KBS, Bartscher, Saro or another manufacturer: as soon as the model meets the technical criteria and the manufacturer provides the documents, the application can be submitted.
How does the application process work?
The order is the most frequent stumbling block: First the funding approval, then the order. Anyone who signs the purchase contract before receiving the approval loses the entitlement — subsequent funding is excluded.
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1. Select device | Choose a model with a natural refrigerant (e.g. R290), obtain manufacturer data sheet and functional schematic — we assist with this. |
| 2. Submit application | Online via the BAFA portal, with the technical documents. Possible until 31 December 2026. |
| 3. Wait for approval | Only after receiving the funding approval may the order be placed. Do not sign a purchase contract beforehand. |
| 4. Purchase and implement | After approval, two years remain for implementation. |
| 5. Submit proof | Submit invoice and proof of use to BAFA, after which the grant is paid out. |
Shock freezers with R290 from our range
These models operate with the natural refrigerant R290 (propane) and thus meet the basic criterion of the directive (net prices, status August 2026):
| Model | Capacity | Net price |
|---|---|---|
| KBS SF 3 Pro | 3x GN 1/1 | €2,304.83 |
| Saro URSUS 5S | 5 racks | €2,760.94 |
| KBS SF 5 Pro | 5x GN 1/1 | €3,050.45 |
| Bartscher AL5 | 5x GN 1/1 | €3,854.87 |
| Saro URSUS 10S | 10 racks | €3,915.88 |
| KBS SF 8 Pro | 8x GN 1/1 | €4,121.37 |
| KBS SF 10 Pro | 10x GN 1/1 | €4,615.91 |
| Saro ODIN 10 | 10x GN 1/1 | €4,800.89 |
| Saro URSUS 15S | 15 racks | €5,911.41 |
| Saro ODIN 15 | 15x GN 1/1 | €6,868.17 |
Whether a specific model is eligible for funding in individual cases is decided by BAFA based on the manufacturer’s documents. Contact us before applying — we obtain data sheets and functional schematics from the manufacturer.
Basics on device selection — capacity, performance, application areas — are available in our Quick Chiller & Shock Freezer Guide. An overview of further subsidies is provided on the Funding for Caterers page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Until when can I submit the application?
The Refrigeration-Climate Directive is valid until 31 December 2026. The application must be received online by BAFA by that date — no extension is planned.
Can I buy the shock freezer first and then apply for the subsidy?
No. The project start is considered the signing of the purchase contract. Anyone ordering before the funding approval no longer has any entitlement.
Are all shock freezers eligible for funding?
No. The refrigerant decides: only devices with natural refrigerants like R290 or CO₂ receive funding. Models with fluorinated refrigerants (such as R452A or R455A) are excluded.
Does the funding also apply to private individuals?
No, eligible are companies and institutions — for example restaurants, bakeries, butcheries or caterers.
How high is the grant?
The amount depends on system type and cooling capacity and is only determined with the funding approval. Binding information is provided by BAFA; the application itself is free of charge.
Status: August 2026. All information without guarantee — the funding directive and BAFA approvals are authoritative. This page is not legal or funding advice.
Secure your grant before the directive expires
We will provide you with eligible models for your needs and obtain the necessary manufacturer documents for your BAFA application — non-binding and free of charge.