Builders will be able to purchase emission-free construction equipment, such as excavators and pile drivers, concrete mixers, and building aggregates, with a subsidy starting in the spring of next year.
They may also be eligible for a grant to help them convert or adapt their equipment from diesel to hydrogen or electric. It’s effective in the fight against nitrogen problems, which can cause building to be halted. Also, for the sake of our health and the environment. A total of 270 million euros has been set aside by the cabinet until 2030. State Secretary Van Weyenberg (Infrastructure and Water Management) wrote to the House of Representatives today with this message.
“Emission-free building saves a lot of nitrogen hassles,” says Van Weyenberg. It’s also ideal for those who work or live near construction sites. Less noise and cleaner air. It is quite expensive to convert or replace polluting construction machines. That’s why we want to provide a hand to construction companies.”
According to the Nitrogen Approach and the Climate Agreement, the government wants building to release 60% less nitrogen and 0.4 megatons less CO2 by 2030. This subsidy scheme helps with that. Almost all nitrogen emissions from the construction industry are caused by the usage of construction vehicles and machines on the job site. These machinery and construction vehicles, which number in the thousands in the Netherlands, frequently operate on diesel all day, emitting nitrogen, particulate matter, and greenhouse gases in addition to nitrogen.
Entrepreneurs may be able to recoup up to 40% of their purchasing costs. SME enterprises can obtain a subsidy of up to 50% since the cabinet intends to give them with an extra allowance. This refers to the procurement of new machines and construction trucks, such as those that run on electricity or hydrogen. A subsidy can also be used to address existing equipment. Consider making the switch from diesel to electric or installing a catalytic converter to gather the harmful particles. Nitrogen emissions can be reduced by more than 80% with a proper catalytic converter. Large seagoing construction vessels can also use this option.
Subsidies are also available for new technology research and innovation. For example, on the building site, new heavy emission-free machines such as cranes and large concrete trucks, along with novel loading or tank solutions.
The government believes it is critical that construction companies have the opportunity to switch to environmentally friendly materials. With clean air, for example, house construction and road and railway construction and maintenance can proceed. As a result, this scheme is tailored to construction-related equipment. A total of 20 million euros will be available in 2022. Builders can also request charging stations on the job site, such as battery containers. There is a cap on the amount of money that can be given to each company and application. Builders must also meet a number of requirements, including fraud prevention and quick resale.
“I believe it is critical that the construction and infrastructure sectors contribute to the Climate Agreement’s objectives and, as a result, expedite the transition to zero-emission mobile tools and (building) equipment,” says Maxime Verhagen, chairman of Bouwend Nederland. “As a result, Bouwend Nederland, BMWT, and CUMELA are collaborating with the government to develop a roadmap that outlines a path to 100% clean building.” However, equipment conversion and the acquisition of emission-free devices remain prohibitively expensive. That is why it is beneficial that the cabinet is opening its pocketbook; with this stimulus, the sector may continue to flourish, and this critical shift will become more practical and inexpensive for enterprises.”
The funds for this construction program come from the cabinet’s earlier announcement of a large package of nitrogen-related initiatives. The government is also taking a number of steps to assist businesses in making the changeover to cleaner options. The knife frequently slices in both directions. They assist construction constructors in reducing nitrogen problems. They are also vital for the environment, clean air, and the climate.
For example, there is already a subsidy program for electric delivery vans, and another program for emission-free vehicles will be established soon. A similar structure exists for inland shipping. The government went to great lengths earlier this year to equip inland vessels with catalytic converters in order to cut nitrogen emissions.
