Flex-E grant opens 6 May 2026 - the opportunity to invest in flexible energy and battery storage

The energy transition calls for smarter use of electricity. At the same time, grid congestion prevents many companies from expanding or making their processes more sustainable. The Flex-E grant offers a powerful solution to this. Apply from 6 May 2026 until 15 October 2026. More companies eligible thanks to major changes to the scheme.

This article provides a clear overview of the Flex-E subsidy in 2026 - including conditions, benefits and practical tips to successfully prepare your application.

What is the Flex-E subsidy?

The Flex-E grant supports organisations wishing to invest in measures to electricity consumption more flexible make. The aim is to reduce peak load on the power grid and make better use of available capacity.
RFO describes Flex-E as a scheme for companies looking to invest in flexibility measures, allowing them to continue to grow, sustain and operate despite grid congestion.

New round of applications 6 May - 15 October 2026.

The RFO indicates that in 2026 opens another round of applications and that more companies can apply for grants thanks to changes in the scheme. 

➡️ Companies that were previously excluded may well get access to Flex-E in 2026.

Who is Flex-E intended for?

You are eligible if you:

• a contracted transmission capacity of 100 kW or more has
• are able to implement measures that flexible electricity consumption promote
• invests in a way that network congestion not worsened

With this, the scheme targets large-scale consumers who face constraints due to grid congestion and want to use flexibility to manage processes smarter.

What can you get subsidies for in 2026?

There are three categories of measures for which companies can apply for subsidies:

1. Adapt business processes to drive consumption

• These adjustments help companies shift loads to times when the grid is less stressed.

2. Investing in energy storage

• The scheme supports storage investments, whether for electricity or heat or cold.

3. Smart steering and optimisation

Smart systems help to optimally integrate generation, consumption and storage. Consider:

• automation
• energy management systems
• peak smoothing control software

How much subsidy can you get?

• 35% subsidy on investment costs
• Minimum €25,000 and maximum €300,000 per application
• Subsidy applies to purchase and installation costs only
• Staff costs and management are outside the scheme

For companies that need to make substantial adjustments, this can remove an important part of the investment barrier.

Why Flex-E is particularly relevant in 2026

The new scheme offers several advantages for companies:

• More target group broadening → more organisations are eligible
• Optimising grant components → thanks to insights from previous rounds
• Focus on net flexibility → essential due to growing congestion

With continued grid pressure, Flex-E is a strategic opportunity to:

• modernise business processes
• Making investments in battery storage and control feasible
• securing growth and sustainability

How do you prepare an application?

RFO advises to start preparing in good time. The main steps are:

• Analysis of current energy consumption
• Inventory of flexibility potential
• Requesting technical documentation and quotations
• Substantiate how the measure does not exacerbate grid congestion

A well-prepared application increases the chances of quick approval once the counter opens. Therefore, contact us ASAP so we can help you with the above steps!

Conclusion: 2026 will be the year to invest in flexibility

With the new Flex-E subsidy round in 2026, the RFO is giving companies the opportunity to future-proof their electricity use. Increasing flexibility not only circumvents grid congestion - companies also strengthen their sustainability, business continuity and cost structure.

➡️ For organisations looking to invest in battery storage, smart steering or process optimisation, Flex-E is one of the key grants of 2026.

Once the RFO publishes the final opening date, it is crucial to act quickly.