Preliminary results SDE++ 2025 published: what they reveal about the 2026 call

SDE++ 2025: Budget likely exhausted, but competition lower than expected

For the 2025 call, the government made 8 billion euros available through the SDE++ scheme. So far, 283 projects have received a positive funding decision, representing approximately the full available budget. An additional 0.7 billion euros worth of applications is still under assessment by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).

One of the more surprising findings is that competition proved to be less intense than anticipated. Although applications worth around 22 billion euros were submitted, a significant number were rejected during the assessment process because they did not meet the eligibility requirements, for example, due to missing permits or projects being withdrawn because of uncertainty surrounding the required bank guarantee.

Interestingly, the technology-specific budget reservations (“fences”) introduced to ensure funding for higher-cost decarbonization technologies ultimately had no practical effect on the allocation of funding. Lower-than-expected demand in renewable electricity and CCS/CCU meant that the reserved budgets were not needed to secure funding for these technology groups. For project developers, this reinforces an important lesson: a successful SDE++ application starts long before submission. Robust project preparation, permitting, and financial readiness remain critical factors for securing funding.

SDE++ 2026 opens one month later

Companies planning to apply in 2026 should note an important change to the application timetable. The 2026 SDE++ round will now open from 27 October until 26 November 2026, approximately one month later than previously announced. According to the Ministry, the delay is necessary to implement technical changes required for updated CCS categories and differentiated transport and storage tariffs. The detailed regulations will be published shortly in the Government Gazette, after which RVO will provide further guidance to applicants.

Important updates for CCS projects

Several changes affect carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects. One important development concerns CO₂ storage abroad. Since 2025, Dutch emitters have been allowed to apply for SDE++ support when storing captured CO₂ outside the Netherlands. For the 2026 round, the government will differentiate transport and storage cost assumptions based on pipeline capacity and utilization rates. This may influence the subsidy base amounts and, consequently, project business cases.

Administrative requirements are also being simplified. Applicants will no longer need to submit the separate transport and storage declaration report, reducing the administrative burden for CCS applications.

For projects delivering negative emissions, such as Direct Air Capture (DAC) or CCS at waste incineration facilities, the government also addresses the future role of Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) Credits. While these revenues are not yet incorporated into the generic subsidy calculations, they will be included once the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (PBL) can establish a reliable market value. Until then, RVO will continue assessing potential overcompensation after project completion.

Not all proposed CCS developments will proceed. The planned category for CCS combined with low-carbon hydrogen production will not open in 2026 because the required state aid approval has not yet been obtained, and market interest remains limited.

More opportunities for electrification

Industrial electrification continues to receive increased attention. The 2026 scheme introduces support for high-temperature heat pumps operating in combination with geothermal energy, aquathermal energy, and waste heat. These systems can deliver temperatures above 100°C and are expected to play an increasingly important role in decarbonizing district heating and industrial processes.

In addition, several complex hydrogen and biomass gasification categories will benefit from an extended realization period, increasing from four to five years. This recognizes the longer development timelines associated with these technologies.

Solar PV: Better alignment with grid capacity

Grid congestion remains one of the biggest challenges for solar PV development in the Netherlands. To reduce the number of projects that ultimately cannot be realized, the government is tightening the criteria for obtaining a transport indication. The revised approach aims to ensure that issued transport indications better reflect the actual likelihood of securing a grid connection. While this may make the initial assessment more stringent, it should improve overall project certainty and reduce the number of unrealized projects.

Additional developments for project developers

Several other policy updates may influence future SDE++ projects:

• Projects reaching a final investment decision before the introduction of the proposed electricity feed-in tariff will benefit from a 20-year transitional exemption, including projects awarded under the 2026 SDE++ round if realized within the applicable implementation period.
• From 2027 onwards, a certificate of permit feasibility is expected to become an alternative to a full environmental permit for selected industrial electrification technologies, helping accelerate project development.
• The government is also exploring how battery storage and deferred electricity delivery could be further integrated into the SDE++ scheme, although this will require regulatory changes.

What does this mean for companies?

Beyond the individual policy changes, the 2025 results send a broader message. Many unsuccessful applications failed not because they lacked technical merit, but because they were insufficiently prepared. Missing permits, financing uncertainties and incomplete project development proved decisive during the assessment process. At the same time, the lower-than-expected competition suggests that well-prepared projects continue to have strong opportunities within the SDE++ framework.

With the 2026 application window opening later than expected, companies now have additional time to optimise their projects, validate assumptions and prepare complete applications. For organizations considering SDE++, this extra preparation time should be viewed as an opportunity—not simply to complete an application, but to strengthen the competitiveness and bankability of their project.

Our specialists have a strong track record with SDE++

Drawing on more than 15 years of experience with the SDE, research expertise, and in-depth knowledge of various subsidy categories, our specialists have an exceptionally strong track record in SDE++ applications. In addition, we use our market knowledge to help develop the right application strategy based on statistical analysis of expected tender trends. If you have plans for a project that may be eligible for this subsidy, feel free to discuss your ideas with one of our specialists—with no obligation. Contact us at +31(0)88 838 13 81 or send us a message using the contact form below.