The purpose of the program Smart Energy Systems is to support private initiatives. Therefore, entrepreneurs are required to be registered in the Kamer van Koophandel (the Dutch Chamber of Commerce). Initiatives should clearly demonstrate their positive impact on the economy of Rotterdam (or region Rijnmond). Also, E-herkenning (a standardised system that allows organisations to safely make their online services accessible) is required.

Conditions

• The initiative provides insight into the lessons learned and provides recommendations for acquiring investments for the initiative. Clearly identifying, establishing and sharing such lessons should also contribute to possibilities for upscaling and replicating the private initiative.
• The subsidy covers up to 50% the total expected costs of the project, meaning own investment is a requirement:

1: Subsidy for the feasibility study amounts to a maximum of 50% of the total expected costs

2: Subsidy for experimental development amounts to 25% of the expected total costs, which can be increased to up to 50% based on additional conditions:

• +5% when experimental development takes place in the Groot-Rijnmond region.
• +10% when the company is a medium-sized enterprise or +20% when the company is a small-sized enterprise. Check the RVO website for the requirements

• Executing pilots is a possibility, but only if this plausibly contributes to an increase of commercial- and market readiness. The technologies used need to a high ‘Technology Readiness Level’ (TRL 6 to 9, check RVO for more information). Activities of private initiatives can be directed towards demonstrating a solution, towards system integration, or towards enhancing the knowability of possible users with the suggested technologies

• Applications must be complete. Incomplete applications are not considered.
• Applications must be done within the application period, applications after the deadline are not considered.
• Applications will be tested on value for money for the economy and energy transition in Rotterdam. An insufficient score on this criterium might result in a rejection of the application.

Innovation occurs at the intersection between sectors and themes. The municipality strives towards connecting its ambitions in the fields of energy transition, circular economy, climate proof environment, and healthy living environment (as determined in the sustainability compass) in order to allow different initiatives to mutually strengthen one another. Furthermore, the municipality hopes to make an additional positive contribution to themes that are important for Rotterdam through the Smart Energy Systems program. Therefore, the program is hoping for additional applications in the areas of grid congestion, energy savings, and hydrogen.