Robots that automate processes in industry, 3D laser melting processes for creating delicate metal prototypes, and the programming and maintenance of modern production facilities—these are the current focal points of KleRo GmbH Roboterautomation. The Berlin-based company has been successfully operating in the market for around 20 years. When founder and managing director Holger Klempnow planned a new production hall and office building a few years ago, he focused on efficient energy supply from the outset. This included a highly efficient gas heating system for the hall, a heat pump, a solar panel system on the roof, and a battery storage system.

The company is located in an industrial area with a long tradition—the Herzbergstraße business district in Berlin-Lichtenberg. Klempnow is actively involved as chairman of the Herzbergstraße business network, which aims to promote the sustainable development of the location. A key element in this effort is energy supply.

“We have set ourselves the vision of an energy-autonomous business district. That might be quite ambitious, but the direction we want to take together is clear: generate, use, store, and share as much energy locally as possible,” Klempnow describes the approach.

Years of Collaboration with the EEN

For him, strong networking is essential for a medium-sized company. For many years, he has been in exchange with Berlin Partner and the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) based there. Years ago, as part of a larger consortium, they coordinated the EU project AROSO, which focused on robotic cells for processing stone surfaces. At the beginning of 2024, thanks to regular exchanges with Berlin Partner, the company was made aware of an EU program that supports energy efficiency measures in small and medium-sized enterprises with grants of up to €10,000—EENergy (www.eenergy-project.eu).

Strategic EU Support for Improved Energy Efficiency

The Green Deal and the energy transition are among the major economic policy goals of the European Union. The Directorate General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROW) particularly supports the competitiveness of businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It manages and finances programs and networks such as the EEN. EENergy is an example of a thematic focus program developed by the EEN in cooperation with the EU and the Directorate General. Over two years, the project will award €9 million in more than 900 grants to SMEs across Europe. These funds can be used for activities, acquisitions, or integrations that ultimately reduce the company’s overall energy expenses by at least 5%.

“When we found out about the program, there was very little time left before the next application deadline. However, Robert Lenk from EEN Berlin-Brandenburg provided us with great support in submitting the application quickly. We focused on three main topics: general consulting, charging infrastructure for e-mobility, and an expansion of our photovoltaic system,” Klempnow recalls. The initial feedback from the EU was that the plans were good, but the goals were too ambitious. After revising the application, the funding was approved.

The company is currently planning the specific measures to be implemented. The needs have been assessed. KleRo has two primary energy consumers: the heat pump, which heats in winter and cools in summer, and, most notably, a newly acquired 3D printer with a laser melting process. This printer is energy-intensive and often operates continuously.

Networking with Business Support Structures and Other Companies

The knowledge gained from further developing the existing energy systems can be reintegrated into the Herzbergstraße business network in the future. Looking ahead, Klempnow sees it as a major challenge to make automation processes in industry as energy-efficient as possible. Berlin-Lichtenberg is well-positioned for this. Networking is a crucial component—both with other companies and with business development structures such as Berlin Partner and the Enterprise Europe Network.