The Netherlands is taking the next step in its climate ambitions by fully committing to activated carbon removal. The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO.nl) has launched a call for proposals for entrepreneurs and knowledge institutions to develop a new subsidy program. This program will support innovations that remove CO2 from the atmosphere, water, or biomass, with the aim of long-term storage or binding in sustainable products. Parties have until October 6, 2025, to submit their input.
Carbon removal initiatives, also known as Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR), are considered essential for achieving climate neutrality by 2050. After this milestone, the Netherlands will need to remove even more CO2 than it emits. The government therefore recognizes the need to invest in research and development of these crucial technologies, in addition to reducing emissions.
MOOI encourages long-term collaboration
The new grant will be incorporated into the existing Mission-Driven Research, Development and Innovation program, or MOOI for short. This choice emphasizes the desire to encourage multi-year collaborations. The goal is to help innovations move more quickly from research to practical application. While the exact details are still to be determined, the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO.nl) confirms that MOOI will be the platform for this new round.
A concrete timeline has been outlined for those interested. Pre-registration is expected to open in 2026. Project activities must be completed within four years, with the ambitious goal of having the innovation ready for market application within ten years. This means the technology must not only be demonstrable in the intended environment but also be ready for scaling up.
European harmonization and opportunities for biomass
The timing of this national subsidy is strategic. Europe recently adopted a voluntary framework for carbon removal certification, the Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming framework. This regulation, published in the EU Official Journal at the end of 2024, creates a basis for reliable measurement and verification of removed CO2 and ensures consistent quality requirements within the European Union. A national subsidy focused on development fits perfectly within this broader European movement.
This development offers significant opportunities for the bio-based value chain. The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) specifically mentions CO2 capture from biomass as a technology eligible for subsidy. This opens the door to innovative projects where biogenic CO2, derived from biomass, is captured and stored long-term or bound in products with a long lifespan. Think of building materials or other applications that sequester carbon for decades. This perspective can encourage parties in the bio-based value chain to innovate existing processes and build new, sustainable value chains that contribute to climate objectives.
Entrepreneurs and knowledge institutions interested in playing a role in this transition can already respond to the Netherlands Enterprise Agency's short interest survey. The gathered input will be used to refine the subsidy rules, ensuring the scheme optimally aligns with practical application and the needs of consortia seeking to accelerate development. Those who want to take action can, in the meantime, delve deeper into the MOOI system and explore potential partnerships.
For more information and the interest survey, see the website of RVO.nl
Image: RVO
