Entrepreneurs can also apply for the Stimulation of Sustainable Energy Production and Climate Transition (SDE++) subsidy at the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) in 2026. There was earlier doubt whether the cabinet could allocate funds for this. With the subsidy, companies can invest in installations and techniques that generate sustainable energy or reduce CO2 emissions.
For the 2026 round, € 8 billion is temporarily available. This is stated in a letter to the House of Representatives dated June 6 regarding the SDE++. The subsidy remains an important support for the transition to sustainable energy (energy transition) in the Netherlands.
Do not rush to apply
Because there was initially uncertainty about a continuation of the SDE++ subsidy in 2026, some entrepreneurs may want to rush to apply this year. RVO urges entrepreneurs to apply next year if the preparation of their project is not yet complete. Applications that are not complete will be rejected by RVO.
Changes from 2025
The SDE++ subsidy is adjusted every year. There are also some changes from 2025. For most installations and techniques, entrepreneurs no longer need a permit for a technical construction activity when applying for the subsidy. This permit is part of the environmental permit and concerns, for example, the strength and safety of a building. Now that entrepreneurs no longer have to apply for this permit for the subsidy, it saves time and they can start projects faster. Only for wind energy projects and solar panels on roofs does this permit remain mandatory.
CO2 storage abroad allowed
From 2025, companies can also apply for subsidies if they store their CO2 in other EU countries and in Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein. The CO2 reduction will still count for the Netherlands. The storage must meet the same technical requirements as in our country.
Feasibility study required for small solar PV projects
For applications for solar energy projects with a capacity of less than 1 megawatt (MW), companies must now also submit a feasibility study. This shows that their plan is technically and financially feasible. This helps to prevent poor or unrealistic plans.
Extra attachment for heat projects
Companies applying for subsidies for heat projects must submit an extra attachment. This applies, for example, to heat networks. If they sell the heat to another company, a declaration from that company as a buyer is required. With this extra document, RVO can better assess whether the project is truly feasible.
Electricity price per quarter
For installations that generate sustainable electricity, RVO will use quarter prices instead of hourly prices starting in October 2025. This aligns with how the European electricity exchange EPEX determines market prices for electricity. RVO uses the quarter prices to establish periods with negative electricity prices. RVO offsets these in the correction amounts of the subsidy. The more often negative electricity prices occur, the less subsidy entrepreneurs receive. More information about this will be available on the RVO website soon.
Less subsidy for green gas revenues
Entrepreneurs receiving subsidies for a project with green gas from an application round of 2023 or later must take into account a reduction in their subsidy. From 2025, RVO will include the value of Guarantees of Origin (GvO) for green gas in the correction amount of the subsidy. GvOs demonstrate that the gas is sustainably produced. These certificates are tradable and thus worth money. This change has already been announced in a letter to the House of Representatives dated February 17, 2023.
SDE++ opens in October
This year, entrepreneurs can submit their applications from October 7 to November 6. There will also be € 8 billion available in 2025.
- Ministry of Climate and Green Growth