Opening round SDE++ 2024
The opening round of the SDE++ subsidy offers applicants the opportunity to apply for financial support for their projects. The round for 2024 starts on 1 September and lasts until 1 October. The total budget for this round is €13 billion, a significant increase compared to previous years, underlining the Dutch government's growing ambition to meet climate targets.
What is the SDE++?
The Stimulation of Sustainable Energy Production and Climate Transition (SDE++) subsidy is a crucial instrument of the Dutch government to promote the transition to a sustainable energy supply. The SDE++ subsidy, successor to the SDE+ scheme, focuses on stimulating technologies that contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions. Whereas SDE+ focused exclusively on renewable energy production (such as wind and solar power), SDE++ is broader and includes other technologies such as CO2 capture and storage (CCS), advanced recycling, and industrial waste heat utilisation.
Phase amounts SDE++ 2024
The SDE++ scheme works with a phase-by-phase opening. This means that the available budget is released in several phases, with each phase having a higher maximum phase amount. The phases are designed to ensure the most efficient use of the subsidy amount by encouraging the cheaper technologies first.
The following phase amounts have been set for the 2024 opening round:
- Phase 1: €60 per tonne of CO2 equivalent - This phase focuses on the most cost-effective projects, such as large-scale solar power and advanced recycling technologies.
- Phase 2: €80 per tonne of CO2 equivalent - This phase covers technologies such as onshore wind power and most forms of industrial waste heat utilisation.
- Phase 3: € 110 per tonne of CO2 equivalent - This phase includes CCS projects and hydrogen production from electrolysis.
- Phase 4: € 150 per tonne of CO2 equivalent - The final stage is for the more expensive technologies such as geothermal and certain forms of bioenergy.
SDE++ application procedure
The application procedure for the SDE++ subsidy is thorough and requires a detailed project description, a financial justification, and proof of technical feasibility. For the 2024 opening round, some changes and simplifications in the application procedure apply to reduce the administrative burden for applicants.
Selection criteria SDE++
Projects are ranked according to cost-effectiveness within each phase. This means that within a phase, the projects with the lowest subsidy intensity (the ratio of subsidy requested to tonnes of CO2 saved) are the first to be considered for funding. This promotes support for projects that have the greatest impact at the lowest cost.
Conclusion
The SDE++ subsidy remains an essential mechanism to keep the Netherlands on track for its climate goals. The opening round with phase amounts ensures a structured and efficient allocation of funds, with cost-effectiveness at its core. For the target group already familiar with the SDE++ scheme, the 2024 round offers new opportunities to get innovative and impactful projects off the ground, with a substantial increase in the available budget and further refinement of the application procedures.
With increasing attention to climate change and the need for sustainable solutions, the SDE++ subsidy plays a crucial role in promoting technological innovation and CO2 reduction in the Netherlands.
