Subsidies, Financing and HBEs for SMEs and Large Commercial Companies in 2026

Subsidies, financing and HBEs for SMEs and large commercial companies in 2026

A practical explanation of the financing options for sustainable generation and behind-the-meter batteries

This article is intended for SMEs and large commercial companies that:

• use energy to run their primary business processes,

• do not develop energy projects themselves, but do suffer from grid congestion,

• want to become more sustainable without having to become specialists.

Below you will find a practical guide to making this possible using subsidies, loans, and other forms of financing.

Why sustainable generation and a battery are interesting for your business

For many companies, energy is not a strategic priority, but simply something that must be reliable, affordable, and available. Precisely for that reason, sustainable generation and batteries are becoming increasingly relevant.

The combination helps companies to:

• Store self-generated sustainable electricity locally, instead of feeding it back to the grid at negative prices,

• Reduce peak loads so that machinery, charging infrastructure, or processes can keep running,

• Safeguard business continuity when grid capacity is limited or when a “non-firm” (off-peak) or “flex contract” is offered.

For many SMEs and large commercial companies, the latter is becoming crucial. With a flex contract, you may sometimes not be allowed to draw additional electricity from the grid or feed electricity back into it.

A battery then acts as an internal buffer, allowing operations to continue without downtime or production losses.

1. Subsidies and tax benefits (aimed at end users)

SPRILA: subsidy for battery + charging infrastructure

SPRILA is relevant for companies that:

• use or plan to use electric vehicles,

• have charging points on their own premises,

• use a battery to make charging smarter and more stable.

The scheme lowers the investment threshold, especially for:

• logistics and transport,

• construction and infrastructure,

• service companies with vehicle fleets,

• business parks.

Energy Investment Allowance (EIA)

The EIA is a general, indirect subsidy that is applied through the tax return. The scheme reduces the net cost of investments in:

• solar panels,

• energy storage,

• smart energy systems.

For SMEs, this is often one of the most accessible benefits, as it works directly through taxation.

2. Flex-e subsidy: support for grid congestion

What is Flex-e?

Flex-e is a subsidy for companies that:

• demonstrably suffer from grid congestion,

• deploy flexibility to relieve the electricity grid.

Why is it relevant for SMEs and large companies?

Flexibility may consist of:

• deploying a battery,

• smart control of consumption or generation,

• combining sustainable generation and storage.

Flex-e is not a subsidy for a battery as such, but supports companies in making their energy supply workable within grid constraints. This makes the scheme particularly relevant for companies with flex contracts or limited grid capacity.

3. HBEs: interesting as an extra, not as a main objective

What are HBEs?

HBE’s (Hernieuwbare Brandstofeenheden) arise when renewable electricity is used for electric transport.

Why are they relevant for companies?

If you:

• generate your own sustainable electricity,

• use it (possibly via a battery) to charge vehicles,

then this can generate HBE revenues. For SMEs and large commercial companies:

• HBEs are not a goal in themselves,

• but they can contribute to a stronger business case.

Specialized partners, such as Mobylize, help with utilizing HBEs.

4. Financing via a fund or bank: practical and business-oriented

For end users, financing is often more important than subsidies.

Via municipal or provincial funds

Many municipalities and provinces offer:

• sustainability loans with low interest rates, such as through the “Fonds Nieuwe Doen” in Groningen, or the battery loan from Energiefonds Utrecht.

These are almost always intended for companies at a specific location, not for project development.

Bank financing (increasingly common)

In 2026, banks are increasingly financing:

• solar panels on commercial buildings,

• batteries as part of business operations.

Conditions banks consider important:

• a clear application within the business process,

• predictable cost savings or risk reduction,

• a combination with subsidies or tax benefits.

The focus is therefore on solutions that stimulate sustainability or growth, not on energy trading.

Rabobank and ABN AMRO offer dedicated battery or sustainability loans.

Lease structures

For companies that prefer not to make a large upfront investment.

• monthly payments,

• focus on availability and performance,

• less impact on the balance sheet.

Via the Skoon Community, you can immediately receive offers for your energy solution.

Can you combine subsidies and other forms of financing?

In many cases, it is possible to combine different forms of support. Think of a subsidy for part of the system, tax benefits via the EIA, and financing via a bank or regional fund. What is usually not allowed is receiving two subsidies for exactly the same costs.

In practice, this means it’s not only about which system you choose, but also about how you structure the project. By gaining clear insight in advance into the measures and the associated schemes, you can avoid missing opportunities or running into limitations.

From challenge to solution: a clear process for companies

For SMEs and large commercial companies, a simple and structured approach works best—and we’re happy to help.

Step 1 – The Flex Scan (optional)

With a Flex Scan, we help companies to gain insight into:

• translating energy data into a clear energy profile,

• determining which type of energy system is relevant: battery, biogas, hydrogen, or hybrid,

• the financial picture of each solution.

Contact us here to request a Flex Scan.

Step 2 – Finding the right suppliers

Through the Community, you gain access to multiple providers who respond with a tailored solution to your specific request.

Step 3 – Comparing quotes

Quotes are compared on:

• performance,

• costs,

• conditions,

so that decisions are made based on substance and suitability for your challenge.

Step 4 – Arranging subsidies and financing

With a concrete quote:

• subsidies can be applied for correctly,

• discussions with banks or financiers can be conducted in a focused manner.

In conclusion

For SMEs and large commercial companies in 2026, it’s not about developing energy projects, but about:

• security of energy supply,

• workable grid contracts,

• manageable costs,

• room to keep doing business.

Sustainable generation and batteries are tools, not goals.

By starting with insight and comparison, energy remains what it should be:

a supporting factor for your business, not added complexity.