Reduce or capture CO2
Stimulating Sustainable Energy Production and Climate Transition (SDE++)
SDE++ is the short name for the Sustainable Energy Production and Climate Transition Incentive Scheme. The Dutch scheme offers multi-year operating grants for ‘climate investments’. For example, for the (large-scale) generation of sustainable energy, but also for certain CO₂-reducing installations (which contribute to the energy transition and the reduction of greenhouse gases).
In short
SDE++ grant overview
For whom?
Companies
(Non-)profit institutions in industry, agriculture, electricity, and the built environment sectors
When to apply
Initially, the start of the application round was scheduled for June. It has now been moved up and is expected to start on 5 September 2023.
Read here more about SDE++ opening round.
How much?
For the 2023 SDE++ round, a total budget of 8 billion euros has been reserved. Read here more about SDE++ grant amounts here.
For what?
The SDE++ is an operating grant. This means that you can receive the grant during the operating period of your project. Do you have installations for the production of renewable energy? Do you have installations whereby you reduce the emission of CO2 or systems for the capture of CO2? Then they can qualify for an SDE++ grant.
Overview of
SDE++ themes
Renewable electricity
- Osmosis
- Hydropower
- Wind
- Solar PV
Renewable heat (CHP)
- Biomass (fermentation and combustion)
- Composting
- Geothermal (ultra)deep
- Solar thermal
Renewable gas
- Biomass (fermentation and gasification)
Low-CO2 heat
- Aquathermal (TEO, TEA and TED)
- Daylight greenhouse
- Solar PVT panels with heat pump
- Electric boiler
- Geothermal (shallow)
- Residual heat
- Industrial heat pump
- Air-water heat pumps (new in 2023!)
- CO2 capture, storage and utilisation
- Advanced renewable fuels
- Hydrogen by electrolysis
SDE++ adjustments scheme
New in 2023
New in 2023 is the possibility to apply for SDE++ grants for air-water heat pumps (for large-scale heating of water with heat from outside air). Also new is the possibility in (certain cases) to withdraw a granted SDE++ application and resubmit it for a more favorable grant amount. A third major change in 2023 is the introduction of budgetary “fences” that provide a different assessment system for certain techniques. Read more details in our article on changes to the SDE++.
Meet the requirements
SDE++ criteria
Do you want to be eligible for the SDE++? Then you must meet a number of general conditions:
The grant is available only to Dutch companies.
The grant is intended only for targeted producers.
You can submit one application per category.
You need to provide a strong feasibility study.
Usually, one or more permits are required for the production installation.
The grant amount you apply for (the so-called phase amount) may vary.
Increace your succesrate
SDE++ Market Intelligence Study
The SDE++ program is divided into five phases for submitting proposals, starting with phase 1 which focuses on the most economically efficient technologies. The subsequent phases are 2, 3, 4, and 5. EGEN developed a strategic study, SDE++ Market Intelligence Study, which you can use to optimise your chances.
The Market Intelligence Study serves as a reliable resource for establishing the best possible bidding price for your SDE project. The report covers various topics, such as:
What is the expected SDE++ budget claim per category?
Analysis of the course of the budget claim over time
Within which phase is it best to bid?
WHY THIS GRANT?
The purpose of SDE++
”At EGEN, I work on energy saving in industry and large-scale renewable energy projects. I talk to clients about energy and sustainability and come up with practical opportunities from the legislative and regulatory perspective. In this way, I contribute to the development of projects which have a major impact.”
Contact Niels Schoorlemmer →
Grant budget and amounts
How much funding can you receive?
The SDE++ compensates the difference between the cost price of the renewable energy or CO2 emissions to be reduced and the (possible) revenues. The subsidy is granted over a period of 12 or 15 years. How many years you get grant depends on the technology you use. The amount of the grant depends on the technology used and the CO2 reduction you ultimately achieve with it. The maximum grant intensity you can claim with an SDE++ technology is 400 euros per ton of CO2 reduction.
- Phase 1 – For projects with a grant intensity of up to €90 per tonne of CO2
- Phase 2 – For projects with a grant intensity of up to €180 per tonne of CO2
- Phase 3 – For projects with a grant intensity of up to €240 per tonne of CO2
- Phase 4 – For projects with a grant intensity of up to €300 per tonne of CO2
- Phase 5 – For projects with a grant intensity of up to €400 per tonne of CO2
Phased opening
Opening round SDE++
An opening round of the SDE++ has 5 phases. The table on the right refers to the new round expected to start on 5 September 2023. During the first phase, you can only apply for a grant for projects with a grant requirement up to a certain grant amount per tonne of CO2. During the following phases, this maximum grant amount per tonne of CO2 is gradually increased. You can also submit projects with a lower grant requirement than the set maximum for the relevant technology. In this way, market parties are encouraged to submit projects at a lower price and thus have a greater chance of receiving grants.
5 September, 9:00 a.m. – 11 September, 5.00 p.m.
11 September, 5:00 p.m. – 18 September, 5.00 p.m.
18 September, 5:00 p.m. – 25 September, 5.00 p.m.
25 September, 5:00 p.m. – 2 October, 5.00 p.m.
2 October, 5:00 p.m. – 5 October, 5.00 p.m.
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