Subsidy scheme for emission-free machines requires quick action

Posted by Roel Huizer Gros
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Subsidy scheme for emission-free machines requires quick action

For a future-proof construction sector that emits less nitrogen, making construction machinery and construction logistics more sustainable is essential. Cleaner construction equipment ensures cleaner air and therefore a healthier environment. With the SSEB, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management wants to contribute to the reduction of nitrogen emissions in the construction industry. Emissions must be reduced by 60% by 2030 compared to 2018.

The scheme also contributes to the objectives of the Climate Agreement and the Clean Air Agreement. In addition, the scheme stimulates the growth of the market for emission-free construction equipment. More information about the Clean and Emission-Free Building programme can be found on www.opwegnaarseb.nl or watch the recording of the webinar on the right.

Companies that want to receive a subsidy for the purchase of emission-free equipment must be quick from 9 May. Then the subsidy scheme opens on the basis of ‘first come, first serve’, This also applies to the subsidy scheme for retrofitting, in which existing machines are converted to emission-free or with an SCR catalytic converter to low-emission. In addition to the purchase of new zero emission equipment, a subsidy can also be applied for for the conversion or modification of existing equipment. The advantage of this is that you prevent accelerated depreciation of your current equipment and can achieve your environmental and climate objectives with limited investments. In addition, by reusing and extending the life of existing equipment, savings are also made on the use of scarce raw materials and energy for the production of new equipment.

It is important for the subsidy application that there is a purchase agreement with a resolutive condition. According to the implementing body RVO, this is necessary because if the purchase were to go ahead without that resolutive condition anyway, there is state aid and that is not permitted. RVO assesses the applications within 13 weeks and therefore immediately makes an advance available of 90% of the awarded subsidy. The obligation is that the machines remain in use for 48 months. Anyone who disposes of the emission-free or converted machine after, for example, a year is only entitled to a quarter of the subsidy.

Visit the RVO website for more information.

Watch the recording of the SSEB webinar of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency