Netherlands: Overall Summary

Updated: 09.01.2019

Author: Stijn Anciaux

In the Netherlands, the main support instrument for renewable energy is the SDE+ premium feed-in scheme. This support scheme promotes renewable energy sources used for electricity, renewable gas and heating purposes. It encompasses a system of phased admission with escalating base tariffs, which favours low cost RES options. Besides the premium scheme, investments in renewable energy technologies are supported via loans and various tax benefits. Moreover, the ISDE premium feed-in scheme and net-metering applies to small installations. For offshore wind, a tendering scheme is available under the SDE+. Access of electricity from renewable energy sources to the grid shall be granted according to the principle of non-discrimination. Grid operators are generally obliged to develop the grid to provide sufficient capacity for the access and transmission of electricity. Heat from renewable sources is promoted through a premium tariff (bonuses on top of the wholesale price) as well as tax benefits. The Netherlands has adopted an obligation scheme that should lead to a 10% RES share of energy consumption in the transport sector. Tax credits exist for biofuel and hydrogen related RES-T investments. Regarding policies, the Netherlands Enterprise Agency facilitates market parties and specific organisations to establish training and certification facilities for RES installers and installations. Innovation in energy is supported through innovation contracts between private companies, universities, and R&D institutes. In the framework of the Energieinvesteringsaftrek (EIA – Energy Investment Allowance), tax credits are available for RES-H&C infrastructure.

More about support schemes More about grid issues More about policies
Netherlands

Further information

  • Ministerie van Economische Zaken en Klimaat - Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy
  • +31 703 798 911
  • Ministry website
  • Ministerie van Infrastructuur en Waterstaat – Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management
  • +31 704 560 000
  • Ministry website
  • Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland (RVO) - Netherlands Enterprise Agency
  • +31 88 042 42 42
  • Agency's website
  • Energy research Centre of the Netherlands (ECN)
  • +31 88 515 4949
  • ECN website