On Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026, at 09:00, the Clean and Zero-Emission Construction Equipment Subsidy Scheme (SSEB) opens for new applications. The scheme supports construction companies and equipment owners in the purchase of zero-emission machines, the retrofitting of existing equipment, and innovation in zero-emission construction machines and charging infrastructure.

SSEB operates largely on a first-come, first-served basis. In practice, this means that preparation and timing are the determining factors.

Important note for 2026: The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) has indicated that the 2026 budget has not yet been approved, meaning the RVO is not permitted to make decisions until that budget has been adopted. Applications will be assessed, but decision-making/advance payments may follow later.

What is SSEB, and who is it of interest to?

SSEB is a national government scheme for the construction and infrastructure sector that accelerates the transition to clean and (ultimately) zero-emission construction equipment by (co-)financing investments and technical development.

SSEB is particularly relevant to:

• construction companies with their own equipment;
• rental/leasing companies of construction machinery;
• owners of (seagoing) construction vessels; and
• developers and consortia realising innovations related to zero-emission construction machinery and charging infrastructure.

What is possible under SSEB 2026?

1) SSEB Procurement (zero-emission equipment and charging infrastructure)

• Application period: March 3rd, 2026, from 09:00 to October 30th, 2026, at 17:00
• Total budget: € 50,000,000
• Budget breakdown 2026: € 25 million procurement + € 25 million charging infrastructure
• Indicative subsidy percentages (selection):
  • construction equipment/auxiliary functions: 25% (large) / 30% (SME/micro) of the additional costs
  • construction machinery <300 kW: max € 300,000; from 300 kW: max € 500,00
• Ceiling per company per calendar year: max € 1.5 million (Procurement + Retrofit combined).

2) SSEB Retrofit (conversion of existing equipment to low-emission/zero-emission)

• Application period: March 3rd, 2026, from 09:00 to October 30th, 2026 at 17:00
• Total budget: € 3,000,000
• Subsidy percentages (per category):
  • categories A to E: 25% (large) / 30% (SME/micro)
  • categories F and G: 25% (large) / 45% (SME/micro)
  • category H: 30% (large) / 45% (SME/micro)

3) SSEB Innovation (for developers and consortia

A) Feasibility study

• Application period: March 3rd, 2026 from 09:00 to October 30th, 2026 at 17:00
• Budget: € 1,000,000
• Max. grant per project: € 50,000
• Grant percentage: 50% (basic) / 60% (SME/micro)

b) Experimental development project

• Application period: May 12th, 2026 from 9:00 to October 30th, 2026 at 17:00
• Budget: € 11,000,000
• Max. grant per project: € 1,500,000
• Grant percentage: 25% (basic) / 35% (SME/micro)

Why “acting now” is rational

SSEB applications require preparation regarding content and supporting evidence. Consider:

• correct category/codes (material lists, technical specifications);
• contracting with a resolutive or suspensive condition (particularly for Retrofit);
• eRecognition and company status (including SME declaration where relevant);
• for Innovation: project logic, TRL structure, practical validation, budget, and deliverables.

Additionally, if the daily budget is exceeded for Retrofit, a lottery will be held among complete applications on that day.

How The Future supports

We help organisations strategically and practically integrate SSEB 2026 into an investment or scaling-up plan:

• Acquisition/Retrofit: subsidy chance check, scope and substantiation, application logic, and dossier structure.
• Innovation (consortia): consortium formation, role allocation, work packages, TRL and validation strategy, impact, and application consistency.
• Timing & readiness: everything ready before opening, so that submitting on day 1 is realistic (where strategically sensible).

Would you like to assess whether your investment or innovation project has a chance of success within SSEB 2026? Please contact us.