Eavor’s project in Tilburg, Netherlands, has secured a positive decision from the Stimulation of Sustainable Energy Production and Climate Transition (SDE++).
Commissioned by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, the SDE++ initiative supports sustainable, agricultural, innovative, and international business endeavours that aim to reduce CO2 emissions through large-scale deployment of renewable energy technologies.
The 2023 round of SDE++ has been particularly successful for the geothermal sector, with all ten submitted projects receiving positive decisions. Collectively, these projects are expected to reduce CO2 emissions by over 0.5 megatonnes annually. This round’s total subsidy for geothermal heat amounts to nearly €1.4 billion.
Eavor’s positive decision is part of a broader initiative to accelerate geothermal energy production in North Brabant. Last February, Eavor finalized a feasibility study report in the area and signed a geothermal action plan with Dutch municipalities and energy entities. This action plan aims to address obstacles in the Ruhr Valley, enhance geological data accuracy, mitigate financial risks, and optimize existing heating networks for sustainability. It also includes research into the potential of shallow geothermal energy.
The SDE++ operates as a subsidy covering only the operational period of projects, compensating the difference between the cost price of sustainable energy production and potential revenue. Known as the unprofitable component, this subsidy is allocated for 12 to 15 years, depending on the technology used and the CO2 reduction achieved.
The positive decision for Eavor’s Tilburg project underlines the growing momentum for geothermal energy in the Netherlands and the significant role of SDE++ in supporting this transition, driving innovation and sustainable energy solutions.
