Dutch hydrogen subsidy expands: More funding for stations, vehicles and equipment in 2026
Entrepreneurs can now access up to €12 million in subsidies to boost hydrogen infrastructure, including refueling stations, mobile storage, and equipment. The expanded SWIM scheme aims to cut emissions in heavy transport while easing grid pressure—helping businesses and drivers transition faster to cleaner energy.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Subsidy Amount | Up to €12 million per collaboration |
| Eligible Investments | Mobile hydrogen storage, tube trailers, refueling stations, retrofitting |
| Advance Payment | 50% upfront, additional 25% after purchasing 75% of heavy vehicles |
| Application Window | April 1 – May 13, 2026 |
| **Previous Funding (2024–2025) | €72 million for 19 collaborations, 13 stations, and 600 vehicles |
| 2030 Goal | Hydrogen refueling station in every urban hub |
The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) administers the SWIM subsidy to accelerate the adoption of hydrogen in mobility, aligning with EU regulations on non-fossil fuels. The scheme supports businesses in reducing emissions while addressing infrastructure gaps in heavy transport.
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external link to whydonate.comRead the full translated article below
SWIM expands hydrogen subsidy for refueling stations, vehicles, and equipment
In 2026, entrepreneurs will have even more opportunities with the Hydrogen in Mobility (SWIM) subsidy scheme. Subsidies are now available for mobile hydrogen storage, tube trailers, and hydrogen-powered equipment. The rules for urban hubs and advance payments have also been relaxed. Entrepreneurs can apply for SWIM from April 1 to May 13, 2026.
More opportunities with SWIM this year
Investors in a collaboration can receive up to €12 million in subsidies, depending on the type of refueling station and its capacity. The subsidy covers, among other things:
- mobile hydrogen storage
- equipment that can be used in the logistics chain
- expansion and/or upgrade of a hydrogen refueling station for heavy road transport
- purchase of mobile hydrogen carriers, such as tube trailers (trailers for high-pressure gas tanks)
- retrofitting
In addition to the expansion to include equipment and mobile hydrogen storage, the priority rule for urban hubs has also changed this year. Zero-emission zones are now included. Furthermore, entrepreneurs can request an additional 25% advance payment after the initial 50% advance payment, provided they have already purchased at least 75% of the heavy vehicles.
Entrepreneurs expand the hydrogen network
In the previous subsidy rounds in 2024 and 2025, 19 collaborations already received a total of €72 million in subsidies. With this funding, entrepreneurs are building and expanding 13 hydrogen refueling stations. The parties have purchased a total of 600 vehicles.
Fewer issues with the power grid
In addition to battery-electric vehicles, hydrogen is an alternative to fossil fuels, particularly for heavy transport. Hydrogen vehicles offer a long range and short refueling times (up to 15 minutes). They also pose fewer challenges for the power grid. Hydrogen buses can also provide a solution for wheelchair-accessible buses that are too heavy for batteries.
SWIM encourages alternative fuels
SWIM contributes to the goal of having a hydrogen refueling station in every urban hub by 2030. There are currently 30 hydrogen refueling stations suitable for heavy transport under development, including the new stations from the SWIM 2025 application period. European countries are required to promote the use of non-fossil fuels in infrastructure and transport, a regulation that has been in effect since April 13, 2024.
Want to know more about this scheme?
- See what’s new in SWIM this year Wijzigingen SWIM in 2026
- Or visit the scheme page Subsidieregeling Waterstof in mobiliteit (SWIM)