ERDF - 2021–2027 Funding Period
Das ist das Logo "Kofinanziert von der Europäischen Union"
© Thüringer Ministerium für Infrastruktur und Landwirtschaft
European Regional Development Fund
The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) is an important funding instrument of the European Union. During the last funding period (2014–2020), the city of Jena received a total of €26 million in EU funding for several projects— see here. The city of Jena has also applied for funding for several projects in the current funding period (2021–2027).
Funding Priority for 2021–2027: The Equitable, Green, and Productive City
With EU funding during the 2021–2027 funding period, Thuringia’s major cities are to be further developed and strengthened as vitalizing catalysts and infrastructural anchors for their respective surrounding regions.
In light of local challenges, opportunities, and development needs, funding focuses on the priorities of “equitable, green, and productive cities.” Within this framework, the goal is to support the development of these central towns as residential, economic, social, educational, and cultural hubs, and to sustainably improve their environmental and energy conditions.
Competitive Selection Process and Program Components
Projects for “Sustainable Urban Development and Energy-Efficient Urban Renovation” within the new funding period were identified through a preliminary competitive selection process. The responsible ministry specified three funding priorities:
- Construction and expansion of district heating networks in central locations (NAF)
- Improving energy efficiency in public buildings and municipal infrastructure (EGI)
- Revitalization of urban neighborhoods and communities based on integrated urban development concepts (SBZ)
In the first step of the selection process, the objectives and selection criteria of the submitted projects were reviewed and evaluated. A total of 48 municipalities participated with over 150 submissions. Of these, 69 projects were approved for application. The city of Jena qualified as a selected program municipality with the following projects:
- Saale Promenade – Redevelopment of the Area Surrounding the Stadium (SBZ)
- GalaxSea Water Park – Energy-Efficiency Retrofit (EGI)
Redesign of the Saale Promenade – EU Funding: €2,080,079.18
Based on the “Saale” master plan, many sections along the Saale have already been redesigned and made more accessible to the public. The “Saale Promenade” project, which extends from the “Sportsteg” bridge to the entrance of the “Schleichersee” South Baths, is being carried out with ERDF funding to enhance the area surrounding the Ernst-Abbe Sports Field and the adjacent sports facilities.
By renovating existing open spaces and access areas along the banks of the Saale, the goal is to create a visually cohesive promenade with a high quality of life that will invite people to walk, cycle, and linger in the future.
Implementation of the ERDF-funded project is scheduled for the period 2027–2029.
Saale in Jena
© Stadt Jena
GalaxSea Recreational Pool, Energy-Efficiency Renovation – EU Funding: €6,011,945.00
The GalaxSea water park in Jena was built in the 1990s and is located on Rudolstädter Straße in the southwestern district of Winzerla. The water park is operated by Jenaer Bäder und Freizeit GmbH. With more than 300,000 visitors per year, the GalaxSea water park is one of Thuringia’s largest recreational and sports facilities. The renovation and energy-efficiency upgrades are intended to transform it into a future-proof and energy-efficient water park for all age groups.
The following measures, among others, are planned as part of the energy-efficiency retrofit:
- Improvement of the building envelope: Enclosing the outdoor pool,
- Renewal and optimization of the heating system, water management (e.g., separation of water circuits), and ventilation of the heated pools and saunas as an integral part of energy efficiency measures,
- Comprehensive technical renovation of the technical systems,
- Installation of smart building and control systems,
- Integration of energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy sources.
Implementation of the ERDF-funded project is scheduled for 2026.