NATIONAL STRATEGY
National Ocean Energy Policy
The Netherlands has no specific policy on Ocean Energy Systems (OES) besides the offshore wind policy which includes possibilities for combinations with solar or other kinds of sustainable energy solutions such as wave, H2 and storage. However, our government does support innovations on OES through several innovation programs in different stages of development. For example, the DEI + (abbreviation for Demonstrating Energy Innovation) which is an investment subsidy (pilot and demonstration). The SDE++ (abbreviation for Subsidy Sustainable Energy) is a feed-in tariff subsidy scheme capped at 400 €/ton avoided CO2. The SDE++ supports the implementation of new sustainable energy solutions and can be combined with DEI+ (within the boundaries of state aid).
Generic funding programmes are available for all relevant types of renewable energy. Projects compete with each other and have a general condition that cost reductions must be achieved by innovation. The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate initiated a number of grants via generic R&D instruments such as TKI as well as the Waddenfonds.
These are also available for ocean energy research:
• Study on the significant ocean energy potential in Waddengebied by TNO
• Dynamic Tidal Power (DTP) validation study by Deltares to support governmental review of subsidy mechanisms
• Feasibility study lity study on Delta21-concept by CE Delft and Horvat & Partners and governmental commitment to further research
• Marine Spatial Planning Policy: The Netherlands has adopted the North Sea Programme 2022-2027, including the Maritime Spatial Plan describing the policy for bolstering the ecosystem, the transition to sustainable food supply and the transition to sustainable energy provision. The programme explicitly mentions the inclusion of wave and tidal energy in these plans with the target to identify most suitable zones for these technologies.
The latest area passport for the Hollandse Kust Noord wind farm can facilitate the permitting of ocean energy systems integrated into the wind zone area.
MARKET INCENTIVES
The above mentioned subsidy programs supported by our Ministry of Economic Affairs include market incentives.
PUBLIC FUNDING PROGRAMMES
Besides the above mentioned subsidy programs supported by our Ministry of Economic Affair, there are different kinds of public funding (equity, loans, guarantees) by:
• Regional development agencies
• InvestNL, the national promotional bank
• Municipalities
• Export subsidies
