Germany Special funds: from concept to project

How projects become reality – from funding strategy to implementation

Special funds open up new pathways for project financing.

However, between a funding commitment and the actual start of a project lie complex legal and procedural hurdles:

Public procurement, State aid law, funding eligibility, ESG reporting, disbursement of funds, and coordination.

We provide transparency throughout the process – from the initial concept and tendering phase to operational delivery.

This ensures that projects are not only approved, but also implementable and legally robust.

 

Access to public projects – procurement law as the gateway

In Germany, the award of public infrastructure projects follows a highly regulated yet predictable process.

Whether direct funding, PPP, or concession, those who understand the structures can position themselves strategically.

Core procurement models:

• Traditional construction and supply contracts under VOB/A and UvGO
• Planning and operator contracts (PPP / DBFM) under the VgV / SektVO
• Concession awards (e.g. for energy and charging infrastructure) under the KonzVgV
• Innovation partnerships for complex, technology-neutral projects

Key success factors:

• Procurement-law-compliant tender procedures (transparent suitability criteria, evaluation, and award decisions)
• Avoidance of procurement errors (discrimination, incorrect evaluation)
• Safeguarding project durations and post-award negotiations

Those who understand procurement procedures strategically gain market access – well before the contract is awarded.

 

From concept to funding – how to position your project

The path to funding does not begin with the application, but with strategic positioning.

Special funds do not support individual actors, but projects that align with political priorities:

Climate protection, infrastructure, digitalisation, defence, and location development.

Our approach:

Who mobilises capital – the interaction between public and private actors

Special funds are part of a multi-layered market.

Their impact unfolds only through interaction with development banks, private investors, and institutional capital providers.

Public-sector actors:

• Federal ministries – strategic steering and allocation of funds
• Development banks (KfW, EIB, regional development banks) – operational financing
• Project sponsors (e.g. DLR, NOW, PTJ) – management of funding programmes

Private-sector actors:

• Institutional investors (insurance companies, pension funds) – long-term ESG investments
• Infrastructure funds – co-investments and equity financing
• Developers and operators – implementation, operation, and asset management
• Banks and debt funds – debt financing and guarantees

Emerging models:

• Public anchor funds (State-initiated co-financing structures)
• Co-lending arrangements with development banks
• Project pools and blended-finance vehicles

The future of infrastructure financing lies in cooperation – not in separation.