Entrepreneurs request nearly 3 times more SDE++ subsidy than available

Companies see opportunities to green

The SDE++ provides subsidies to companies and non-profit organizations that generate sustainable (renewable) energy on a large scale or reduce CO₂ emissions. Between October 7 and November 6, entrepreneurs submitted 468 applications to the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). 

Together, they applied for nearly €22 billion in subsidies. This is much more than the available funds. The budget was €8 billion. Minister Sophie Hermans of Climate and Green Growth wrote this in a letter to the House of Representatives. RVO is now assessing all applications.

Not all good plans receive subsidies

RVO checks whether the plans are complete and technically and financially feasible. Some applications will probably be rejected, for example because they were submitted twice or because permits are missing. However, it is expected that the entire subsidy budget will be used and that not all good plans will receive funding. 

Plans that save the most CO₂ at the lowest cost receive subsidies first. Due to the large number of applications, strong competition arises. This ensures that subsidy money is spent as efficiently as possible.

Many applications for hydrogen and green gas

There were notably many subsidy applications for installations producing hydrogen or green gas. Companies applied for more than €6.3 billion for this. Interest in CO₂ capture and storage is also high. Entrepreneurs applied for a total of €9 billion in subsidies for this. 

Some applicants submitted multiple applications for the same project. Since each project can only receive one subsidy, at least €3.1 billion in duplicate applications will be discarded.

Contracts instead of subsidies

The SDE++ subsidy will change in the coming years. For example, entrepreneurs will no longer be able to apply for subsidies for wind turbines and solar panels. This may already be from 2027. Instead, a new form of support will be introduced. The government will then enter into contracts with companies. 

Furthermore, there will probably be more subsidy opportunities for industry to help these companies switch to electricity. Think of industrial heat pumps and electric boilers.

In 2026, there will still be a regular application round of the SDE++ in its current form. The scheme will probably open again in the autumn. More information will be available next spring.