SDE++

Are you going to produce renewable energy or apply CO2-reducing techniques? In that case, you are eligible to apply for this grant. Here you can read more about the grant that has been made available for this purpose: the SDE++ grant scheme.

SDE stands for Stimulation of Sustainable Energy Transition and Climate Transition. With the SDE++ subsidy, the government encourages the production of renewable energy and the application of CO2-reducing techniques in the Netherlands. The goal of this subsidy is to reduce CO2 emissions by 49% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.

The SDE++ compensates the difference between the cost price of renewable energy or the reduced CO2 emissions and the (potential) revenues. The subsidy is granted over a period of 12 or 15 years, depending on the technology used. The amount of the subsidy depends on the technology applied and the CO2 reduction ultimately achieved. The maximum subsidy intensity you can claim with an SDE++ technique is 400 euros per ton of CO2 reduction. The subsidy application has five phases, with the maximum subsidy increasing per ton of avoided CO2. Therefore, it is crucial to submit your project at the right time. The maximum subsidy amounts to €75, €150, €225, €300, and €400 per ton of CO2 reduction, respectively.

Difference between SDE++ and ISDE:

The SDE++ (Stimulation of Sustainable Energy Production and Climate Transition) focuses on large-scale projects for companies and (non-profit) institutions that contribute to CO2 emission reduction, such as wind farms, solar energy, and bioenergy. If you, as a company (or individual), are engaged in smaller sustainable investments such as solar boilers and heat pumps, the ISDE (Investment Subsidy for Sustainable Energy) scheme may be applicable.

The SDE++ is the successor to the SDE+ and has a broader scope, encompassing not only sustainable energy production, but also technologies that contribute to CO2 reduction.

Projects falling within the following categories may be eligible for SDE++:

• For companies and (non-profit) institutions that (will) generate renewable energy and who are active in sectors such as industry, mobility, electricity, agriculture and the built environment.
• Renewable heat: such as biomass, biogas, geothermal, and solar thermal.
• Renewable gas production: such as green gas from biomass.
• CO2-reducing technologies: such as Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU), electrification of industrial processes, and potentially other innovative technologies contributing to CO2 reduction.

The specifications of these categories change regularly. This year, for example, several new categories were added, such as: solar PV with minor roof adjustments, nature-inclusive solar PV on fields, a generic category for aquathermy, air-water heat pump for application in horticulture, small-scale digestion, and finally, three new categories for electrification of the industry: thermal storage of high-temperature heat, process-integrated heat pump, and a category for hydrogen production through electrolysis based on a power purchase agreement (PPA).

Our experts are fully informed about all the current opportunities in the field of SDE grant, and can inform and advise you about them.

The conditions for applying for SDE++ grant can also vary greatly per grant round, and are periodically determined. Some general conditions that apply when applying for an SDE++ grant are:

• Location: The project must be realized in the Netherlands.
• Permits: Applicants must possess all necessary permits for project realization. This could be, for example, an environmental permit.
• Connection to the energy grid: The project must be capable of connecting to the energy grid.
• Financial feasibility: Applicants must demonstrate that the project is financially feasible.
• Implementation period: The project must be completed within a maximum period. This period varies depending on the technology.
• Ranking: Applications are ranked based on the cost-effectiveness of CO2 reduction.
• Monitoring and reporting: Grant recipients are required to monitor the progress and results of the project, and report on them.

The next opening for the Sustainable Energy Production and Climate Transition Incentive Scheme (SDE++) is from October 27th to November 26th, 2026.

Thanks to our 25 years of experience, we can optimize your grant process and take it almost completely off your hands.

What to think about in terms of work?

• Providing explanations about the SDE++ scheme and its conditions.
• Providing insights into the financial and technical implications of the grant application.
• Assisting in gathering the necessary documentation and data for the application.
• Drafting and submitting the grant application to the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).
• Drafting a project plan and budget that meet the requirements of the SDE++ scheme.
• Advising on the legal aspects of the grant application and the project.
• Assisting in drafting contracts and agreements.