From January 1, 2026, municipalities and provinces will receive faster and better support in the spatial integration of important energy infrastructure projects. They can also receive assistance from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) for more types of projects.
More support for more types of projects
The Energy Infrastructure Expert Pool (formerly Expert Pool MIEK-PEH) of RVO can provide support to more municipalities and provinces from this year. And support is possible for more types of projects. In addition to high-voltage projects, municipalities and provinces can now also get help with the expansion of the medium-voltage grid. Furthermore, municipalities and provinces can now turn to the expert pool for projects involving hydrogen pipelines, CO2 transport, and large-scale CO2 storage.
Energy infrastructure projects often complex
The extra help is needed because municipalities and provinces face more spatial challenges, often simultaneously. They must decide under time pressure how to allocate the limited space. National, regional, and local interests come together here. That makes energy infrastructure projects often complex. Municipalities and provinces can therefore benefit from the knowledge and manpower of the extensive expert pool.
Faster construction to prevent grid congestion
An investment of 20ac 22.5 million from the Climate Fund for the period 2026–2030 makes the extra help possible. This investment is part of the package of measures announced by the cabinet in April 2025 to realize energy infrastructure faster. This is necessary to counteract an overloaded electricity grid (grid congestion) and to make room for the energy system of the future.
Where do municipalities and provinces get help?
Municipalities and provinces can receive temporary support. Think of project management, process management, or knowledge of environmental law. They receive advice on, for example, location choices for an electricity station or adjustments to the zoning plan. Or help with drafting a letter of intent. This allows a municipality or province to make initial agreements with a grid operator or other initiator of energy infrastructure.
Check if you can get help
Do you work at a municipality or province on energy infrastructure projects? And do you want to know what our experts can do for you? Read more about the support you can get and ask your question.
Provinces and municipalities contributed
Provinces and municipalities were able to inform the government last year about the help they needed. With that information, the deployment of the expert pool can better align with practice.
- Ministry of Climate and Energy Transition