Final European ERDF Calls Mark the Closing Phase of the Transition Period
Today, the SALKturbo task force gave the green light for twelve new projects, representing a total investment of over 18 million euros. Two of these projects – the Limburg AI Research Accelerator (LARA) by Hasselt University and the energy-efficient renovation of PXL University of Applied Sciences – will strengthen Limburg as a knowledge region. Ten other initiatives are municipal renovation projects focusing on energy efficiency. In addition, technology company Rematics receives support for its Sensor Hotel, in which waste collection trucks equipped with sensors gather data on illegal dumping. Altogether, thirteen projects will receive 9 million euros in ERDF funding.
According to Provincial Deputy for Economy Tom Vandeput, chair of the task force, these are tangible results: “With these projects, we are laying the foundations for the future. From artificial intelligence to energy-efficient sports halls: these are investments that are visible in our municipalities and, at the same time, create jobs, knowledge, and innovation. SALKturbo is not a plan collecting dust in a drawer, but a driver of change.”
Twelve Projects with a Green Label
The approved projects cover a wide spectrum. With the Limburg AI Research Accelerator (LARA), Hasselt University is building a powerful computing infrastructure that makes artificial intelligence accessible to companies and researchers. PXL University of Applied Sciences is investing through EE-Vil in a large-scale energy-efficient renovation of Building T on its Vildersstraat Campus. In addition, ten Limburg municipalities are receiving funding for the renovation of sports halls, cultural centers, and community infrastructure, each with a focus on energy efficiency.
Municipalities Make Buildings More Energy-Efficient
Europe is encouraging local authorities in their climate transition. In Hechtel-Eksel, the sports hall is being renewed; in Peer, the Poorthuis is receiving an energy-efficient makeover; and in Beringen, the Beverlo sports hall will be insulated. Genk is working toward a climate-neutral Kattevennen, Maaseik is renovating its cultural center, and Maasmechelen its academy. There are also projects in Tessenderlo-Ham, Zutendaal, Pelt, and Halen. Together, these local renovation efforts account for nearly 5.8 million euros in ERDF support. These initiatives stem from European objectives and lie somewhat outside the socio-economic focus of SALKturbo, which primarily aims to strengthen Limburg’s economic fabric. Therefore, the advice of the ERDF managing authority is being followed for these projects.
Sensors Help Detect Illegal Dumping
In addition to the twelve new projects, technology company Rematics will receive European funding for the Sensor Hotel for Urban Cleanliness, in which waste trucks are equipped with smart technology to map illegal dumping. This project had already received the SALKturbo label in an earlier round and can now effectively start with ERDF support.
Tom Vandeput emphasizes the importance of European funds: “Without the recognition of Limburg as a transition region and the accompanying ERDF support, many of these projects would not get off the ground. Europe gives us the leverage to move from plans to realizations.”
New Calls for 2026
With the approval of these projects, the task force is also looking ahead. Six new ERDF calls are being launched, totaling 22.3 million euros. They focus on innovation capacity, digitalization, energy efficiency, renewable energy, climate adaptation, and sustainable mobility. These are the final ERDF calls within this transition period, which is thus entering its closing phase. In addition, the eleventh SALKturbo round is also starting. Companies, knowledge institutions, and local authorities can once again submit projects. The first decisions are expected at the beginning of 2026.
Provincial Deputy Vandeput concludes: “With SALKturbo, we are showing that Limburg is determined to move forward. These projects are not an endpoint but a starting point. They strengthen our knowledge region, accelerate the climate transition, and make our economy more resilient. This is the legacy we are creating today for the generations of tomorrow.”
OVERVIEW OF PROJECTS
Green label and ERDF support: 13 projects (over 18 million euros in investments)
- LARA – Limburg AI Research Accelerator (Hasselt University) – €649,195.16 ERDF
Construction of a powerful, locally anchored computing infrastructure that makes artificial intelligence accessible to companies and researchers in Limburg. - EE-VIL (PXL University of Applied Sciences and Arts) – €2,314,543.28 ERDF
Comprehensive energy-efficient renovation of Building T on the Vildersstraat Campus, with an integrated approach to the building envelope. - Hechtel-Eksel Sports Hall (Municipality of Hechtel-Eksel) – €609,180.00 ERDF
Energy-efficient renovation of the municipal sports hall, focusing on reducing energy demand. - Poorthuis (City of Peer) – €727,940.70 ERDF
Extensive energy renovation of the cultural centre, aimed at improving performance and transitioning to a carbon-neutral building. - ’t Vlietje Goes Green (Municipalities of Tessenderlo–Ham) – €393,441.00 ERDF
Renovation and sustainability upgrade of the municipal sports hall ’t Vlietje, improving energy consumption, comfort, and safety. - ZUIVER (Municipality of Zutendaal) – €245,044.87 ERDF
Comprehensive renovation of the town hall/cultural centre, including insulation, new windows, and a renewed roof for energy savings and improved comfort. - Beverlo Sports Hall (City of Beringen) – €486,000.00 ERDF
Insulation of the arched roof and façades to significantly reduce energy consumption and improve user comfort. - Kattevennen (City of Genk) – €1,019,704.44 ERDF
Climate-neutral renovation of the reception building and Cosmodrome, with improved insulation and reduced energy consumption. - De Bemvoort Sports Hall (Municipal Autonomous Agency Pelt) – €440,819.48 ERDF
Renewal of the insulation in the oldest part of the sports hall, leading to a significant reduction in fossil fuel use. - Neeroeteren Cultural Centre (City of Maaseik) – €730,588.03 ERDF
Comprehensive energy renovation of the cultural centre, focusing on energy savings and improved comfort. - From Old to Gold: The Community Centre (Municipal Autonomous Agency Halen) – €450,600.00 ERDF
Thorough renovation and energy upgrade of the community centre, with sustainable technologies and a redesigned interior. - Academy of Maasmechelen (City of Maasmechelen) – €690,000.00 ERDF
Future-proofing of the monumental building through new exterior joinery and a complete relighting. - Sensor Hotel for Urban Cleanliness (Rematics) – €188,336.75 ERDF
Equipping waste collection trucks with sensors that collect data on cleanliness and road quality during their routes.
