EHUB energy-hub research grant
Grants for groups of enterprises in the Netherlands to research how to start or expand an energy hub and share electricity-network capacity.
Ta możliwość jest obecnie dostępna po angielsku.
An energy hub is a group of enterprises that coordinate energy generation, storage and use to make better use of their local electricity network. EHUB pays for research into forming a new hub or expanding an existing one.
A preliminary scan maps the group's current electricity use and future energy needs and compares at least three packages of measures, such as storage and changes to when electricity is used. It is available only for a new hub. The scan grant is €5,000 for up to five enterprises or €8,500 for six or more.
A detailed study develops the hub's design and arrangements for cooperation, participation, liability and costs. For a new hub, the grant covers 70% of eligible study costs, with a grant of €25,000–€42,000. For expansion, it covers 40%, with a grant of €25,000–€32,000. The remaining costs need other financing.
For a new hub you can apply for a scan, a study, or both together. In a combined application, the scan grant and calculated study grant together must reach €25,000. The study's €42,000 maximum still applies; the separate scan grant is added to it.
Eligibility
At least three enterprises established in the Netherlands must be independent of one another and each have an electricity connection larger than 3×80 amperes. Enterprises are linked when one holds more than half another's capital or controls it. Common ownership or control can also link enterprises, for example sister companies under the same parent or enterprises with a shared shareholder. Linked enterprises count as one. Extra partners may be linked to one of those three and may have smaller connections.
An enterprise established in the Netherlands with a large connection applies for the group. For an expansion study, a legal entity set up for the existing hub, such as a cooperative, company or foundation, can apply instead. An authorised representative, including a park manager, business association or municipality, can submit on behalf of the eligible enterprise or entity. Municipalities and provinces cannot receive the grant themselves.
A school, sports club or care organisation can participate if it meets the partner conditions, is registered with the Chamber of Commerce and offers or sells goods or services. Its large connection can count toward the minimum three.
Complete a scan after the regulation's publication on 4 September 2026 and before applying; older energy-use data may be used. For a study-only application, you must already have the information a scan would produce. Carry out the study after RVO approves the application.
EHUB excludes the cost of assessing an individual enterprise's energy-use profile and facilitation to bring enterprises together and organise cooperation. Other government subsidy for the same costs is deducted from EHUB support.
For a scan, the applicant or a prospective partner must not have been involved in an earlier EHUB-funded scan. For a study, the applicant or an existing hub partner must not previously have been involved in an EHUB-funded study of the same type: formation or expansion. A previous formation study therefore does not itself prevent an expansion study. RVO also assesses whether the study plan uses resources effectively and efficiently.
Register the hub with the Initiatievenradar. During a funded study, join the provincial energy-hub programme if one exists where the hub will be formed or expanded. Cooperate with dissemination of results when requested.
How to apply
- Status
- zamyka się 1 maj 2027
- Otwiera się
- Zamyka się
- Warunki naboru
- Applications are handled in order of receipt; RVO uses a lottery if budget is insufficient.
Apply through the “Direct aanvragen” button on RVO's EHUB page, using eHerkenning level 2+ or higher, the business login used for Dutch government services.
Obtain your regional grid operator's overview showing that the enterprises can cooperate on the same local cable loop. If cooperation is only possible through the national transmission network, supply the regional operator's written declaration that this is possible. A group electricity-transport agreement is not compulsory.
Prepare the collective energy-use profile, current-use graph, future energy needs and hub registration number. Supply business and establishment details, and declare that the required large connections exist and that partners have signed statements committing to the research and formation or expansion. RVO may ask for proof.
For a scan, use RVO's measures-package template and explain which package you choose or why none is suitable. For a study, use its study-plan template covering the technical, organisational, financial and legal research, tasks, delivery, timetable and financing. Supply individual energy-management information for all partners in a new hub; for expansion, describe the existing hub and any prospective new partner's energy management.
You pay scan costs before applying. An approved scan grant is paid in full. For a study, RVO pays 90% in advance and the remaining 10% after final assessment. Complete the study within one year of the start date stated in RVO's decision letter, then submit the final report and request settlement. Report changes or inability to finish on time; an extension may be possible.
RVO handles applications in order of receipt and uses a lottery when there is insufficient budget. Decision letters are sent from 1 January 2027.