Entrepreneurs applied for subsidies for 640 sustainable energy projects through the Stimulation Sustainable Energy Production and Climate Transition (SDE++) 2024 scheme. Most applications were for solar panels on roofs. Notably, there is a growth in applications for heat pumps, aquathermy, and electric boilers. Over €4 billion in subsidies remained unused.
Much less requested
In 2024, entrepreneurs applied for over €7 billion in SDE++ subsidies from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). There was €11.5 billion available, so there was leftover budget. Not all applications were approved, as projects did not meet the requirements.
Generating electricity: many projects, but less subsidy
Entrepreneurs requested the most for generating electricity. A total of 441 of these projects receive subsidies, amounting to €734 million. Most applications were for solar panels on roofs (219).
The subsidy for this component has been halved compared to last year. This is mainly because the power grid is full in many places. As a result, entrepreneurs are increasingly less likely to receive a connection for their generation installation to the electricity grid.
Heating buildings: heat pumps and aquathermy grow rapidly
In the category of low-temperature heat, entrepreneurs applied for subsidies for 85 projects, totaling €1.85 billion. Notably, there is a growth in applications for air-water heat pumps (37 projects, €299 million) and the use of heat from water (aquathermy, 9 projects, €481 million). These techniques provide sustainable heating for buildings and horticultural greenhouses and are relatively new.
High-temperature heat: electric boilers on the rise
Also, for high-temperature heat, entrepreneurs requested a lot of subsidies this year. RVO approved 19 applications, totaling over €1.6 billion in subsidies. Especially electric boilers stand out: 15 projects, totaling over €1.5 billion in subsidies. These provide less CO₂ savings per euro of SDE subsidy than techniques that generate electricity, but are important for the industrys transition to sustainable energy.
Green gas and hydrogen: small but important
In the category of molecules – such as green gas and hydrogen – entrepreneurs applied for subsidies for 176 projects, totaling €1.5 billion. Among them, there are 2 that produce hydrogen through electrolysis. Together, this amounts to €650 million.
€8 billion available in 2025
This year, entrepreneurs can apply for a total of €8 billion in subsidies. The SDE++ will reopen on October 7 and close on November 6.
- Ministry of Climate and Green Growth