heat grid
Heat networks Investment Grant (WIS).
The Heat Networks Investment Grant is a Dutch grant scheme for the construction of new efficient heat networks (energy-efficient district heating and cooling). The grant is only for heat networks that make existing homes natural gas-free. The heat network then provides heating for spaces and hot tap water for the houses.
In short
WIS overview
For whom?
Heat companies and businesses that invest in the construction of a new heating network. Emphasis is placed on parties with advanced plans who can quickly start the construction of the heating network. Provinces or municipalities may participate in a project (as shareholders participating in such a business), but cannot receive grants themselves.
When to apply?
Submitting grant applications is possible from 1 June 2023 (9:00 am) until no later than 16 December 2023 (5:00 pm). Applications will be processed in order of receipt ("first come, first served"). There is no clarity yet on any further application rounds and budgets.
How much?
The grant reimburses a maximum of 45% of the project costs, or a maximum of 6,000 euros per realized small-scale consumer connection: the limit that is reached first applies as the maximum.
The grant never amounts to more than 20 million euros per project (heating network).
For the WIS application round of 2023, a grant budget of a total of 150 million euros is available.
For what?
The grant is intended as an impulse to bridge the 'unprofitable top' of heating network investments (the difference between the eligible investment costs and the operating profit).
Overview of
WIS categories
The WIS grant is only possible for small-scale consumer and/or block connections in existing buildings. Heating networks serving both existing and new-build homes are allowed, but the new-build portion falls outside the grants. Heating networks aimed at both small-scale consumers and large-scale consumers (such as utility buildings/greenhouses/industry) are in principle allowed, but the large-scale consumer portion falls outside the grants (unless it concerns block connections).
MEET THE REQUIREMENTS
WIS Grant Criteria
We mention here some important grant conditions:
The project must consist of (own) investments in the construction of a new heating network. The project is not profitable without a grant.
The heating network must meet the requirements for energy-efficient urban heating and cooling (from point 124 of article 2 of the AGVV).
The heating network must be intended for small-scale consumer connections (maximum 100 kW) and/or block connections in existing buildings.
The heating network must provide heat to at least 250 small-scale consumer connections (spread over at least 5 buildings).
Within 1 year after the grant is granted, the applicant makes the final investment decision. Construction starts within 3 years, and realization is within 7 years.
WHY THIS GRANT?
Purpose of the WIS grant
New district heating networks in the built environment are important for achieving CO2 reduction targets. Their construction is often challenging because it typically involves investments with an “unprofitable top.” The WIS scheme aims to accelerate the construction of these networks by offering investment grants. The grant also prevents the costs of the unprofitable top from being passed on to end-users (through the BAK, contribution to connection costs). Other grant schemes may also be of interest for district heating networks, such as SDE++, EIA, ISDE, and SAH. EGEN can analyze these options and provide an estimate of the maximum grant income for each business case.
“I mainly work on projects within the energy sector, specifically related to the Built Environment. My aim is to help clients realise their energy transition ambitions. I also like to contribute to developing ideas to realise and finance successful projects.”
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