The Cooperative Energy Generation Subsidy Scheme (SCE) will only provide subsidies for projects with solar panels and wind turbines starting this year. Energy cooperatives and Homeowners Associations (VvEs) can no longer apply for subsidies for hydropower projects at the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).

© Riesjard Schropp

No subsidy applications for hydropower projects

Since the subsidy started in 2021, RVO has received no applications for hydropower projects. No concrete plans are known either.

Surplus funds in 2025

In 2025, 20ac100 million was available. Energy cooperatives and VvEs requested only 20ac28.8 million in subsidies for projects with solar panels and wind turbines. RVO ultimately granted 20ac24.3 million to 137 projects.

Fewer applications due to grid congestion

The low number of applications has several causes. Negative electricity prices mean solar panels generate less income. Therefore, investing in them is less attractive. Additionally, there is little space on the electricity grid (grid congestion). This limits the number of projects energy cooperatives and VvEs can carry out.

New application round from March

The SCE is open in 2026 from March 2 to October 1. The budget is 20ac78 million. Energy cooperatives and VvEs that locally generate electricity with solar panels or wind turbines can apply for subsidies. The subsidy supports the governments transition to sustainable energy (energy transition).

Changes in 2026

The subsidy is no longer available for hydropower projects. Other changes compared to previous years include:

  • Higher base amounts for different categories. The base amount covers project costs, allowing earlier profitability.
  • The threshold for small-scale solar projects with a large consumer connection increases from 500 kilowatts (kW) to 1 megawatt (1,000 kW). This allows more projects to qualify for subsidies. Energy cooperatives and VvEs can also split projects into larger parts, enabling faster and phased construction.
  • Energy cooperatives and VvEs can now also apply for subsidies for solar panels on weak roofs. The subsidy is intended to strengthen the roof structure or to install lightweight solar panels.
  • All ground-mounted solar projects must now be nature-inclusive. This means these projects consider nature, providing extra space around panels for plants and animals.
  • From 2027, there will be no restriction on self-consumption of generated electricity for projects with a small consumer connection. Small consumers applying for subsidies can use all their generated electricity themselves but will not receive subsidies for it. They only get paid for electricity fed back into the grid.
  • Requirements for replacing wind turbines are less strict, allowing more projects to qualify for subsidies.

Information about the 2026 SCE opening will soon be available on the RVO website.

In cooperation with:
  • Ministry of Climate and Sustainable Growth