What changes in 2026 for businesses with charging points? - ERE Certificaten Nederland

Dutch policy on electric charging and emission reduction is moving fast. For businesses that operate charging points or plan to invest in charging infrastructure, 2026 brings several concrete changes. This article highlights the main points.

The switch from HBE to ERE

Since 1 January 2026, the system of renewable fuel units (HBEs) has been replaced by emission reduction units (EREs). Where HBEs were based on the amount of renewable energy delivered (in gigajoules), EREs reflect the actual CO₂ savings compared with fossil fuels.

In practice, every kilowatt-hour of charged electricity is translated into avoided CO₂ emissions. The result: companies that facilitate a lot of electric charging are rewarded more directly for their climate contribution.

Stricter requirements for charging points at buildings

Through implementation of the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), stricter standards for parking facilities apply from 29 May 2026:

• Non-residential buildings with more than five parking spaces must provide at least one charging point per five spaces for new builds or major renovation.
• Office buildings face a tighter rule: at least one charging point per two parking spaces.
• Existing buildings must from 2027 provide at least one charging point per ten parking spaces, with provision for expansion.

For businesses that already invest in charging infrastructure, this confirms the direction of travel. For those still at the starting line, it is becoming urgent.

Mandatory use of a registration service provider

Anyone registering less than 2 million kWh per year of electricity for transport in the Energy for Transport Register (REV) must from 2026 use a registration service provider (“inboekdienstverlener”). That covers the vast majority of businesses with charging points.

A registration service provider handles the full administrative burden: from correctly registering charging sessions to annual verification and trading EREs. When choosing one, look for experience, transparent margins and a reliable software platform.

SDE++ and EREs: no longer combinable

The SDE++ subsidy scheme for renewable generation is expected to open again in the third quarter of 2026. Important detail: from this year you may no longer combine SDE++ subsidy with a 100% claim on EREs.

Businesses that both generate solar or wind power and operate charging points must make a trade-off. In some cases it may pay to forgo SDE++ and focus fully on ERE revenue. That differs by situation and deserves a careful calculation.

Electric machinery also qualifies

A notable broadening of the ERE system: from 2026, electricity delivered to electric (construction) machinery may also be registered for emission reduction units. This opens new options for sectors such as construction, logistics and agriculture.

Companies already electrifying their equipment fleets can tap an extra revenue stream.

Renewable mix determines your yield

The indicative renewable electricity mix for 2026 is set at 50.4%. This percentage is used when calculating EREs for power drawn from the public grid. If you charge with your own solar or wind generation, 100% applies, which effectively doubles yield per kilowatt-hour.

What does this mean in practice?

The combined impact of these changes is significant. Businesses that already have charging infrastructure — or plan to invest — should:

1. Get registration in order: ensure MID-certified meters and a reliable back-office system.
2. Choose a registration service provider: compare providers on transparency, software and market knowledge.
3. Run the financial trade-off: calculate whether SDE++ or EREs delivers the highest return for your case.
4. Review EPBD obligations: check whether your parking facilities meet the new standards.

The transition to EREs is more than an administrative change. It is a chance to turn sustainable choices directly into financial value.