This year, entrepreneurs can again apply for the Stimulation of Sustainable Energy Production and Climate Transition (SDE++) subsidy. In the 2024 application round, €11,5 billion is available for energy generation and CO2 reduction by companies. That is €3,5 billion more than last year. There are also some techniques to do this. From this year onwards, projects with solar panels and wind turbines on land will receive less subsidy if the sale of electricity yields high profits.
Companies and non-profit organizations can apply for the SDE++ from September 10 this year at the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). The application round closes again on October 10. The budget for 2024 is €11,5 billion. This is what Minister Jetten of Climate and Energy wrote in a letter to parliament dated March 1, 2024. If entrepreneurs apply for the full budget and realize all projects, this is expected to result in a CO2 saving of approximately 4,7 megatonnes in 2030.
Settling high profits for solar panels and wind
The SDE++ provides subsidies to companies and non-profit organizations that generate large-scale renewable (sustainable) energy or reduce CO2 emissions. Projects with solar panels and wind turbines on land that apply for the SDE++ in 2024 will receive less subsidy from this year if the sale of electricity generates high profits for the company. RVO will settle this.
The minister emphasizes that settlement of high profits is mandatory due to European state aid rules. The high electricity prices of recent years are also a reason for this. Furthermore, the subsidy for the electricity that the company itself consumes will no longer apply.
Separate budget for less profitable techniques
Just like last year, there is a separate budget for techniques that produce low-temperature heat, high-temperature heat and molecules (green gas and hydrogen). These techniques are now even less profitable, but are important in the long term for further sustainability. €1 billion has been reserved for each of these techniques.
More different techniques
In the new application round, a number of techniques will be added for which entrepreneurs can apply for a subsidy. These are for example:
- solar panels that require a minor roof adjustment;
- a separate category for heat from surface, waste or drinking water (aquathermal);
- a new category of heat pump for greenhouse horticulture;
- new categories for electrification of industry.
RVO provides more explanation
Because some changes are quite drastic and the SDE++ is a complex regulation, RVO provides additional explanation.
- Entrepreneurs can discuss their project in advance with an RVO advisor. The SDE++ application page will soon contain a form with which they can request an interview.
- There will be a separate page with an explanation about the settlement of excess profits.
Source: RVO
