Dutch 2018 SDE+ program for utility-scale renewables starts first round

Dutch 2018 SDE+ program for utility-scale renewables starts first round

The Dutch SDE+ program is now open for applications for its first round. Successful projects may receive subsidies for as long as 15 years, provided that certain requirements are met.

 

In the Netherlands, the first round, called “Spring Round“, of the 2018 SDE+ program is now open for applications. From 20 February 2018, the Netherlands Enterprise Agency, Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland (RVO), have allowed draft project proposals to be handed in. The program is open to large-scale projects only, which means the minimum size is 15 kW. This first round alone will receive 6 billion EUR in incentives from the RVO.

 

Three windows for different project types

The Spring Round consists of three separate windows during which projects may be submitted. The windows will open on 13, 19 and 26 March 2018. Larger projects over 1 MW may only be submitted during the second window, while projects below 1 MW and over 15 kW is also accepted in the other two. The maximum tariff for projects over 1 MW is 0.0107 EUR per kWh, while smaller ones will have a maximum price of 0.112 EUR per kWh. Regardless of the project size, the maximum number of full load hours will be 950. In the past, however, most of the selected projects were various MW in size – one reason the Dutch government is considering readjusting the scheme.

 

Various conditions apply

Unless a project is developed on a rooftop or a façade, it will have to receive an environmental authorization before applying for the SDE+ program. If a project exceeds 500 kW, a feasibility study is required. Also, self-consumption projects and those feeding energy into the grid will be clearly separated, in an attempt to save PV plant owners with a high self-consumption unnecessary grid and system costs.

 

SDE+ encourages providing power for the grid

SDE+ will compensate plant owners for the difference between the cost price of their energy and its market value, thus hoping to encourage them to feed more energy into the grid. These support subsidies may be obtained for eight, 12 or 15 years, which is in connection to the maximum number of full loads for each technology.

The next round will be the “Autumn Round“ and will be held in October.

 

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