In the coming years, the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) will launch a new innovation program for technologies that extract carbon from air, water, or biogenic sources and store it long-term. The initiative aligns with the national government's Carbon Removal Roadmap. RVO is developing the program along three lines. Financial support will be provided through existing innovation instruments. Work is underway to establish a CO2 removal hub where businesses, researchers, and customers can connect. A knowledge development program is also underway to clarify preconditions such as safety, effectiveness, spatial utilization, and societal impact. This should help a young market with diverse technologies grow towards mature application.
Projects can participate in established energy innovation programs. On the program page, the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO.nl) refers to TSE Industrie Studies, DEI Plus, SDE Plus Plus, MOOI, and the European CET Partnership. In addition, the Ministry of Climate and Green Growth is preparing a specific subsidy for carbon removal within MOOI. In October, the RVO.nl surveyed companies and knowledge institutions about their interest.
Initial biochar research outlines opportunities and limits
As part of its knowledge program, the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO.nl) commissioned CE Delft to calculate the potential of biochar in the Netherlands this year. The July 2025 report concludes that the realistic potential is limited for the time being. The business case will only improve if demand for carbon removal certificates arises and if revenues from coproducts such as pyrolysis oil and syngas are taken into account. The availability of sustainable biomass remains a determining factor.
Kick off
The official kickoff is scheduled for Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 12:30 to 5:30 PM at the Eenhoorn Meeting Center in Amersfoort. The event has quickly filled up in advance. Attendees will receive information about financing options and can participate in workshops on subsidy programs, market opportunities, and technology.
International embedding and policy path
With this program, the Netherlands is aligning with Mission Innovation CDR and following the course outlined in the Carbon Removal Roadmap, published on March 14, 2025. This roadmap stipulates that carbon removal is necessary in addition to emission reductions and that the Netherlands must move toward net negative emissions. This must be achieved through a combination of innovation policy, knowledge development, and international cooperation.
For parties working with biogenic flows, the program directly impacts strategic choices. Biochar and biogenic capture and storage require well-established provenance and stable certification. At the same time, revenues from energy and materials originating from the same supply chain can accelerate the transition to pilot and demonstration. The coming months will reveal how the hub will take shape and which project types will be the first to pass the assessment.
More information on the website of RVO.nl
