WBSO for Cleantech and Energy Innovation: How to Qualify
Manna Team
The energy transition demands plenty of technical innovation, and cleantech companies lead the way. Whether you work on energy storage, hydrogen or smart grids, much of this work revolves around technical novelty and technical uncertainty — exactly what the WBSO supports. This article explains when cleantech and energy innovation qualifies. Want to apply right away? Start with the complete guide to applying for WBSO.
When does cleantech innovation qualify?
The WBSO reimburses developing a technically new product, production process or new software, or technical-scientific research. For cleantech this means you develop something yourself that is technically new for your company, with technical problems you have to solve.
Usually qualifies:
- Developing energy storage (new battery, heat or hydrogen solutions)
- Technology for generation (solar, wind, tidal) with technical challenges
- Software for smart grids, energy management or demand response
- Process innovation to reduce emissions, material use or energy consumption
Usually does not qualify:
- Installing existing solar panels or standard equipment without your own development
- Routine application of known technology
- Purely organisational or commercial sustainability efforts without a technical problem
Examples from cleantech and energy
- Energy storage: a new battery system where it is uncertain whether the desired capacity, lifespan and safety are jointly achievable.
- Hydrogen: developing a more efficient electrolysis process with uncertain yield.
- Smart grids: an algorithm that balances supply and demand in a local energy grid, with technical uncertainty about stability.
Combining with thematic schemes
Cleantech often fits thematic and energy schemes. Alongside the WBSO you can consider programmes aimed at the energy transition — read for example about MOOI: subsidy for nuclear-energy innovation and how to combine subsidies smartly without double-funding the same costs.
How do you describe a cleantech project?
Answer RVO's four questions technically and concretely: what are you developing, why is it technically new, which technical problems do you expect and how will you solve them? A worked WBSO application example helps you get started.
Get started
See RVO.nl/wbso for the official conditions.
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