Dutch gov't pushing €148 million into producing green technology

The Cabinet is developing a new scheme to stimulate the production of high-quality green technology. The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate reported that 148 million euros are available for the so-called Investeringssubsidie Maakindustrie Klimaatneutrale Economie (IMKE).

The scheme is meant to encourage high-tech manufacturing companies to set up production lines for electrolysis installations, innovative solar panels, and batteries. These new technologies are essential for transitioning to a green energy supply and economy where less or no fossil energy is needed.

"Building and further developing new and green industries is incredibly important for the Netherlands, not only for our economy but also to achieve the climate goals we have agreed upon. Entrepreneurs develop solutions, but moving to larger production volumes is often difficult," says Minister Sophie Hermans (Climate and Green Growth).

The department emphasized that the IMKE scheme is unique because companies do not have to demonstrate a direct CO2 reduction for this. Previously, this was required, but it was challenging to stimulate this type of sustainable technology. Now, it has been taken into account that the reduction of CO2 only occurs when the customer uses the new technology.

Companies can submit an application to the Netherlands Enterprise Agency from the beginning of October until January 2025.