News item | 18-12-2025 | 13:30
Innovation is indispensable for the energy transition and a sustainable, strong and internationally competitive Netherlands. Many technological breakthroughs are still needed to become less dependent on other countries and to seize future economic opportunities. That is why the government will invest more than €450 million in innovative solutions, research projects and pilots in the field of energy innovation next year.
Companies and knowledge institutions can apply for support for innovative projects through various schemes. This concerns projects that contribute to pressing issues, for example how we make the best possible use of the large-scale production of sustainable steam, how we can limit the congestion on the power grid with innovative solutions, how industry can switch to sustainable energy or how to get new (sustainable) industries off the ground. This is also important for the future earning capacity of the Netherlands.
Arrangements
The budget is divided over 4 existing subsidy schemes:
- The BEAUTIFUL scheme is opened to large partnerships of companies and knowledge institutions that research and develop practice-oriented system solutions. These projects must contribute to a sustainable energy system, built environment or industry. Projects that develop nuclear technology can also participate.
- The EKOO scheme is opened to smaller research and development projects that contribute to a sustainable energy system or a sustainable or circular industry.
- The DEI+ scheme will be opened to groundbreaking pilot and demonstration projects to reduce energy consumption or make it more sustainable.
- The HEP scheme is open to Dutch participants who want to collaborate internationally on a European Clean Energy Transition Partnership project.
The subsidy schemes open throughout the year. Entrepreneurs and knowledge institutions who want to convert a good idea into a concrete project can contact the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and the Top Sector Energy (TSE) for practical information, preparation or submission.