Support Programme for the Replacement of Diesel Generators

A mobile energy storage unit from emost is set up on an alpine meadow with a scenic mountain backdrop. Logs are stacked nearby, and a control device is connected to the system. On the right, a mechanical arm, possibly from a drone, is visible.

Project type: Energy Efficiency

Project location: German-speaking region (Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Liechtenstein)

Project status: In operation, credits available

Expected annual emissions reduction: 465 t CO2e per year

This support programme offers financial support for the replacement of mobile diesel generators with renewable alternatives. Until now, these have been hydrogen generators and battery-based energy storage systems. This not only reduces CO2 emissions and particulate matter, but also reduces the noise generated. Funding is provided for equipment that is primarily used in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Mobile power generators are indispensable on construction sites. Photo: emost

Tunnel works supported by renewable electricity generation. Photo: emost

Whether in the city, in tunnels or in the Alps, mobile generators are in use everywhere. Photo: emost

Diesel generators are still wrongly seen as the only alternative. Photo: Oksana Kuznetsova Dnieper

emost supplied electricity to Butler S during a special steam train journey on the Historic Mittel-Thurgau Railway. Photo: emost

The Butler S supplied energy for heating the carriages and for catering. Photo: emost

The emost Butler S supplied power at the Konstanz Christmas market. Photo: emost

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.

During a special steam train journey on the Historic Mittel-Thurgau Railway, the emost Butler S played a key role: it heated the carriages and supplied electricity for the catering. As a railway enthusiast, it’s wonderful to see modern energy technology keeping historic rolling stock running without altering its character or atmosphere. Once again, the Butler S has demonstrated what sets it apart: its high flexibility, modular design and ability to adapt to a wide variety of operating scenarios – often working behind the scenes, but precisely where it matters most.

Michael Schösler, Head of Sales & Member of the Executive Board, emost

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.

Since the project began in 2024, over 40 diesel generators have been replaced with battery packs from emost.

Since the programme began, the subsidised battery packs have clocked up over 13,000 operating hours, supplying power to events and construction sites without polluting the surrounding area with exhaust fumes or noise.