The Netherlands: accelerating energy innovation in Europe
The Netherlands is helping accelerate the global transition to clean, reliable and affordable energy. With ambitious climate targets, world-class infrastructure and a strong culture of public-private collaboration, the country offers international energy companies a strategic base to develop, test and scale solutions for Europe and beyond.
- The Netherlands is advancing green hydrogen, electrification, battery innovation, offshore wind, solar, nuclear and smart energy technologies.
- With strategic ports, industrial clusters and cross-border energy connections, the Netherlands is becoming a European hydrogen hub.
- Public-private partnerships connect energy companies with research institutes, talent, pilot environments and commercial partners.
- €750 million in investment, 65+ ecosystem partners and 22 national projects are accelerating the Netherlands’ position in next generation and circular battery technology.
Together, these strengths create opportunities for international companies to leverage the Netherlands’ research and development capabilities, collaborate across the ecosystem and develop, test and scale new energy solutions
Ambition towards the Netherlands’ energy targets
The Dutch government aims for an almost fully sustainable energy system by 2050, with greenhouse gas emissions reduced by 55% by 2030 compared with 1990 levels, and climate neutrality by 2050. As part of this ambition, all electricity on the Dutch grid will have to be net zero CO2 by 2035. Its emission strategy is enshrined in the Climate Act.
From offshore wind and green hydrogen to batteries and smart energy systems, the Dutch energy ecosystem brings together the infrastructure, knowledge and partnerships companies need to turn innovation into impact and create a sustainable future for all.
The Netherlands as a collaborative environment for energy innovation
The Netherlands’ strength in energy innovation is built on close collaboration between companies, government, research institutions and regional development partners. This open innovation model, known as the triple-helix approach, means energy companies connect quickly with the right expertise, pilot environments and market opportunities.
Across the wider ecosystem, leading international energy businesses are choosing the Netherlands as their launchpad for growth in Europe, whilst contributing towards the global energy transition.
Companies such as XRG Technologies, Hyosung, Atawey, METAFUELS and Kwetta have established or expanded operations in the Netherlands to accelerate innovation, develop strategic partnerships and scale their technologies.
Energy innovation networks available across the Netherlands
Across the country, energy companies can access specialist knowledge through a wide range of organizations such as EnergyInnovationNL, TNO, Dutch universities of technology, TKI Offshore Energy, TKI Urban Energy, the Battery Competence Cluster, Dutch Hydrogen Land, Hynetwork and the National Hydrogen Program. Together, these networks support research, demonstration projects and market adoption across the energy value chain.
For energy companies, this ecosystem offers more than technical expertise. It provides a collaborative route into Europe’s energy market, with opportunities to co-develop solutions, join public-private partnerships and scale technologies through Dutch industrial clusters, ports and infrastructure.
Focus areas for energy investors
The Netherlands offers particular strengths in four high-growth areas of the energy transition: hydrogen, batteries, wind and smart energy. Each is supported by a combination of infrastructure, specialist knowledge, policy focus and active industry collaboration.
Hydrogen
The Netherlands combines major ports, industrial clusters and more than 1,000 km of dedicated hydrogen pipeline, giving companies strong infrastructure for production, import, export and distribution. It is also retrofitting its 136,000 km natural gas grid to create a national hydrogen backbone by 2030, strengthening its role as a European hydrogen hub.
With 50% of the Netherlands’ 2050 energy mix expected to come from carbon-neutral gas, the government is investing €500m into green hydrogen, with the aim of stimulating a €1.25bn hydrogen industry.
The country is already Europe’s No.2 hydrogen producer with 9 million m3. Rotterdam, Amsterdam, and Delfzijl are perfect locations for hydrogen production – with Vattenfall, Gasunie, HyCC/Nobian, Air Products, Orsted and Shell already taking advantage of their convenient import and export connections.
The strong Dutch manufacturing and technology industries also support the hydrogen value chain, with expertise in developing and producing high-tech components for electrolyzers, storage systems, and infrastructure across Europe.
Batteries
The Netherlands brings together expertise across innovative battery materials, system integration, long term energy storage, BMS, and recycling technologies. It has a leading focus on next-gen battery materials (particularly anodes), manufacturing equipment and circularity.
Through networks such as the Battery Competence Cluster – NL, companies can connect with knowledge partners, technical talent and commercial opportunities across Europe. There are also world-class test and validation centers for electrical components and grid-scale systems, including KEMA Labs, DNV, VDL ETS and TNO. This makes the Netherlands a strong base for businesses developing storage, mobility and circular battery solutions such as Novocycle, Durapower and Hereaus.
Wind
The Netherlands is scaling offshore wind to grow from ~4 GW installed capacity to 21 GW in 2032, and eventually to 70 GW in 2050, when total Dutch demand for electricity is estimated to be 420-650 TWh.
With North Sea access, it will be able to connect to the 260 GW of offshore wind being built there. Alongside its strong heritage of maritime expertise, world class port infrastructure, supply chains and energy infrastructure, it is the ideal base for companies such as Northland Power developing technologies and services for offshore wind generation, integration, operations and maintenance.
Smart energy technology
As the Netherlands transitions to a more decentralized, renewable energy mix, digital innovations will help to optimize energy distribution, aided by one of the world’s most advanced digital infrastructures.
With the government promoting public-private partnerships and decentralized energy, plus a collaborative environment for testing smart grids, flexibility solutions, storage integration and data-driven energy management, it is fertile ground for smart grid solutions, with companies such as Delta Electronics pursing contributing to a thriving ecosystem.
What government support is available for renewable energy and energy innovation projects?
Whilst this is not a one-size-fits all application, there are a number of key incentives for eligible projects, including a Renewable Energy Grant Scheme (SDE+) for large projects, that offers around €8 billion a year.
There are also sustainable energy investment grants (ISDE) for heat pumps, solar water heating systems, biomass boilers, and pellet stoves. As well as renewable energy grants for smart technologies that combine production and storage or contribute to smart grids.
Build your energy future in the Netherlands
NFIA and the Invest in Holland network can help companies understand the market, connect with partners and identify locations for growth.
For energy innovation companies looking to expand in Europe, the Netherlands offers a practical route into one of the world’s most dynamic energy markets. With its combination of infrastructure, innovation and international connectivity, the Netherlands is ready to help energy pioneers scale solutions that support a more sustainable future — in Europe and around the world.