Netherlands Expands Hydrogen Infrastructure with 300 New Vehicles and Refueling Stations
Netherlands, Sunday, 18 January 2026.
The Dutch government has approved subsidies supporting over 300 hydrogen-powered vehicles and four new refueling stations as part of its climate transition strategy. This expansion builds on previous success, with earlier programs already delivering seven new hydrogen stations, seven station expansions, and more than 700 hydrogen vehicles since 2024. The initiative represents a significant scaling effort in clean transportation infrastructure, positioning the Netherlands to meet European requirements for 42% renewable hydrogen use in industry by 2030.
Government Funding Drives Hydrogen Mobility Forward
The Netherlands allocated 45 million euros in 2026 for its Subsidieregeling Waterstof in mobiliteit (SWIM) program, which opens in spring 2026 [1][2]. This funding mechanism has already proven effective in previous rounds, with the 2024 and 2025 openings resulting in 7 new hydrogen refueling stations, 7 expansions of existing stations, and over 700 hydrogen vehicles [1][2]. The program specifically targets hydrogen refueling stations, hydrogen vehicles, and logistical applications to accelerate the adoption of clean transportation technologies [1]. The subsidy scheme operates under the Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland (RVO) on behalf of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management [1].
Strategic Policy Framework Supports Hydrogen Economy
The expansion aligns with European Union mandates requiring the Netherlands to achieve 42% renewable hydrogen use in industry by 2030, increasing to 60% by 2035 [3]. To support this transition, the Dutch government launched the Stimulering Toename Inzet Hernieuwbare Waterstof in de Industrie (STIHWI) subsidy scheme, with interested companies able to respond to the draft version until 30 January 2026 [3]. The final scheme is expected to be released at the end of 2026, with applications opening at RVO in early 2027, pending European Commission approval [3]. State Secretary Thierry Aartsen emphasized the government’s commitment, stating that while companies want to become more sustainable, the necessary investments can be substantial, and these regulations help entrepreneurs transition while ensuring the Netherlands remains a leader in clean transport [1].
Comprehensive Infrastructure Development Program
The hydrogen initiative forms part of a broader sustainable transport investment strategy funded through truck toll revenues [2]. Alongside the SWIM program, the government allocated 87.5 million euros for the Subsidieregeling Private Laadinfrastructuur bij Bedrijven (SPriLa), which opened on 20 January 2026, and 14.5 million euros for the Subsidieregeling Publieke Laadinfrastructuur zwaar vervoer (SPuLa), opening on 3 February 2026 [1][2]. These programs have already demonstrated significant uptake, with SPriLa receiving subsidy applications for approximately 12,500 charging stations since September 2024, and SPuLa facilitating over 300 charging stations across 45 locations since 2024 [1][2].
Innovation Focus Extends Beyond Transportation
The Dutch government also supports broader hydrogen innovation through the Demonstratie Energie- en Klimaatinnovatie (DEI+) program for hydrogen and green chemistry, with applications opening from 27 January 2026 to 30 July 2026 [4]. This subsidy targets companies in the Netherlands, Bonaire, St. Eustatius, or Saba working on pilot or demonstration projects to reduce CO2 emissions [4]. Eligible projects include hydrogen transport and storage, industrial hydrogen fuel applications, green hydrogen as raw material, and water electrolysis for hydrogen production [4]. Additionally, the government is developing a new subsidy framework for hydrogen hubs through modifications to the Subsidieregeling productie volledig hernieuwbare waterstof via elektrolyse (OWE), which will enable small-scale renewable hydrogen production and local consumption [5]. These hubs complement larger electrolysis projects in industrial clusters connected to the national hydrogen transport network [5].