Dutch Subsidy Program Significantly Lowers Industrial CO₂ Emissions
The Hague, Friday, 12 September 2025.
The VEKI subsidy, active from 2019 to 2023, prevented a 500-kiloton annual increase in CO₂ emissions in Dutch industries, demonstrating its effectiveness in supporting climate goals.
VEKI Subsidy: A Key Player in Emission Reduction
The Versnelde klimaatinvesteringen in de industrie (VEKI) subsidy, implemented by the Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland (RVO), has been instrumental in reducing CO₂ emissions in the Dutch industrial sector. According to a recent evaluation, the subsidy prevented an increase of at least 500 kilotons in annual CO₂ emissions, which would have occurred from 2027 onward without this financial support [1]. This highlights the subsidy’s vital role in addressing climate change and supporting industrial sustainability efforts in the Netherlands.
Impact of the VEKI Subsidy on Industrial Investments
Active from 2019 to 2023, the VEKI subsidy has facilitated swift and accessible sustainability investments for companies, allowing them to implement measures that significantly lower CO₂ emissions and energy consumption [1]. According to Maarten de Wit, the VEKI coordinator at RVO, achieving a CO₂ reduction of 500 kilotons in such a short timeframe is a remarkable outcome. This subsidy enables companies to recoup their sustainability investments more quickly, making it an attractive option for businesses looking to reduce their environmental impact [1].
Efficiency and Future Prospects
The execution of the VEKI subsidy has been notably efficient, with RVO managing to keep administrative burdens low for entrepreneurs. Juliëtte Heldens from project Thielco praised the RVO for their professionalism and expertise, reflecting on a successful collaboration that allowed Thielco to save approximately 20,000 tons of CO₂ through their new galvanizing line [1]. This efficiency and positive feedback underscore the subsidy’s effectiveness and the ongoing demand for such initiatives, as demonstrated by the upcoming new application round starting on 16 September 2025 [1].
Looking Ahead: New Application Opportunities
The upcoming application round for the VEKI subsidy, opening on 16 September 2025, is set to address the continued high demand from industrial enterprises. With a total of €148 million available, the RVO will process applications on a first-come, first-served basis until the funds are exhausted [1]. This ongoing support is critical for industries aiming to implement CO₂-reducing measures, as the investments required often entail high costs and long payback periods without such subsidies [1].