The Dutch government’s Sustainable Energy Production and Climate Transition (SDE++) subsidy program is designed to financially support companies and organizations that implement renewable energy projects or technologies that reduce CO₂ emissions, such as energy storage systems. By covering the unprofitable portion of these technologies, the SDE++ makes sustainable projects more economically viable, encouraging a transition to cleaner energy solutions.
Who Can Apply for the SDE++ Subsidy?
To qualify for the SDE++ subsidy, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Eligible Applicants: The subsidy is available to companies and organizations (both profit and non-profit) that produce renewable energy or apply CO₂-reducing technologies. Applicants must be responsible for establishing and operating the production facility. National government entities are not eligible.
- One Application per Category: Each applicant can submit one application per category per address during a single application round. However, applications for different technology categories at the same location are allowed.
- Application Rate: The subsidy amount requested (“application rate”) must be specified in euros per megawatt-hour (MWh) or, for Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) or Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU), in euros per tonne of CO₂ (up to four decimal places). This rate must not exceed the maximum allowed for the respective phase or category.
- Feasibility Study: Applicants must submit a detailed feasibility study, including:
- A financial plan and proof of equity capital
- A timeline for commissioning the project
- Technical specifications of the facility
- Energy production or CO₂ reduction calculations
- Permits: All required permits must be secured before applying. These vary based on the type of production facility.
- Owner Consent: If the applicant does not own the project site, written consent from the owner is mandatory.
- Transmission Capacity: For electricity-generating projects, a transmission capacity confirmation from the grid operator is required to verify sufficient grid capacity at the site.
How to Apply for the SDE++ Subsidy
The application process involves several key steps:
- Access the Application Portal: Applicants must use eHerkenning, the Dutch government’s digital identity system, to access the SDE++ application portal.
- Prepare Documents: Gather all necessary documents, including:
- Feasibility study
- Permits
- Owner consent (if applicable)
- Transmission capacity confirmation (for electricity projects)
- Submit the Application: Complete and submit the application through the official portal within the designated period.
- Processing and Ranking: Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. If the budget is oversubscribed on a given day, projects are ranked by subsidy intensity, prioritizing those requesting the least subsidy per tonne of CO₂ reduction.
- Decision Notification: Applicants will receive a decision within 13 weeks of submission. If necessary, this period may be extended by another 13 weeks. Approved applications will outline the total subsidy amount granted over the project’s duration.
SDE++ 2025 Application Timeline and Budget
The 2025 SDE++ subsidy round follows this schedule:
- Start Date: Tuesday, 7 October 2025, 09:00 (CEST)
- End Date: Thursday, 6 November 2025, 17:00 (CET)
- Total Budget: €8,000,000,000
The application period is divided into five phases, each with a subsidy intensity limit (€/tonne CO₂):
| Phase | Start Date and Time | End Date and Time | Subsidy Intensity Limit (€/tonne CO₂) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 7 October 2025, 09:00 | 13 October 2025, 17:00 | 75 |
| 2 | 13 October 2025, 17:00 | 20 October 2025, 17:00 | 150 |
| 3 | 20 October 2025, 17:00 | 27 October 2025, 17:00 | 225 |
| 4 | 27 October 2025, 17:00 | 3 November 2025, 17:00 | 300 |
| 5 | 3 November 2025, 17:00 | 6 November 2025, 17:00 | 400 |
Technologies Eligible for the SDE++ Subsidy
The SDE++ scheme supports a range of renewable and low-carbon technologies across various categories:
- Renewable Electricity: Includes hydropower, wind energy, and solar photovoltaics (PV).
- Renewable Heat: Covers technologies such as biomass fermentation, biomass combustion, composting, geothermal energy, and solar thermal energy.
- Renewable Gas: Supports biomass fermentation and biomass gasification projects.
- Low-Carbon Heat: Includes advanced technologies like aquathermal energy, air-water heat pumps, solar PVT panels with heat pumps, electric boilers, industrial heat pumps, geothermal energy with heat pumps, and waste heat recovery.
- Low-Carbon Production: Supports Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and other CO₂ reduction methods.
Why Apply for the SDE++ Subsidy?
The SDE++ subsidy helps businesses offset the financial risks of adopting sustainable technologies, making renewable energy and CO₂ reduction more affordable. With a substantial budget and a clear, structured application process, the SDE++ provides critical support for the transition to a low-carbon economy in the Netherlands.
For further details and application instructions, visit the official website: Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).
