SSEB

SSEB stands for the Clean and Zero-Emission Construction Equipment scheme. Its main aim is to cut NOx emissions in the construction sector by 60% by 2030, with the secondary aim of reducing CO₂ and particulate emissions.

Three different subsidy types are available: purchase, retrofit and innovation.

The purchase subsidy:

For 2026, €48,000,000 has been made available for purchasing zero-emission construction machines:

• Large companies receive 25% of the additional costs of new zero-emission construction machinery or auxiliary functions compared with combustion engines.
• SMEs and micro-enterprises receive 30% of the additional costs.

• Note: smaller companies that fall within the highest income tax bracket in 2026 must indicate this on the application form. Their funding rate then becomes 14% in order to stay within the state aid limit.

The retrofit subsidy:

For 2026, €7,000,000 has been made available for the retrofit subsidy:

• The retrofit subsidy is up to 45% of the cost of the measures for SMEs and up to 30% for large companies.

• These measures consist of converting with an electric drive motor, or with an after-treatment system/SCR catalyst;

The innovation subsidy:

For 2026, €10,000,000 is available under the innovation subsidy for technical developments and practical-experience projects;

• Per experimental development that is a maximum of €1,500,000;
• For feasibility study projects, which can be submitted throughout 2026, a budget of €1,000,000 is available;
• For experimental development projects, the innovation subsidy is up to 25% of the project costs, capped at €1,500,000;
• For feasibility study projects the subsidy is up to 50% of the project costs, capped at €50,000.

The subsidy amounts can be higher if certain conditions are met; we explain those conditions further below.

A wide variety of projects can qualify for SSEB funding. The subsidy is intended for investments in purchasing, converting or innovating sustainable construction equipment or machinery. Within this scheme, construction equipment means:

• Mobile machinery used in construction, such as an excavator, generator and asphalt paver;
• Construction vehicles used specifically in construction, such as a concrete mixer, crane truck and tipper truck, and auxiliary functions of construction vehicles, such as a grab, hook arm and concrete pump;
• Seagoing construction vessels, such as a dredger, cable layer and rock dumping vessel.

SSEB is a cash grant that you can combine with other schemes, such as the tax-based Environmental Investment Allowance (MIA) and Energy Investment Allowance (EIA). Get in touch to discuss the best combination.

Applications for the purchase subsidy, the retrofit subsidy and the feasibility study can be submitted from 3 March to 30 October 2026.

(Applications for experimental development can be submitted from 12 May to 30 October 2026, 17:00)

This scheme works on a first come, first served basis. Applications are assessed on their merits in order of receipt until the budget is exhausted. The start date is therefore Tuesday 3 March 2026 at 09:00.

Thanks to our 25 years of experience, we can optimise your funding process and take it almost entirely off your hands.

What kind of activities might that involve?

• Assessing whether your investment is eligible for SSEB funding;
• Carrying out a calculation to map the total CO₂ saving of an investment compared with the previous situation;
• Submitting the grant application to the RVO;
• Acting as the point of contact towards the RVO;
• Support with the administrative settlement
• You get a dedicated consultant who supports your company and staff.