New subsidy scheme 'Global Sustainable Biomass Fund'

9 maart 2009

The Dutch Minister for Development Cooperation has opened a subsidy scheme focusing on sustainability issues in biomass production in developing countries, called Global Sustainable Biomass Fund. Deadline 26 May

The following lists the main aspects of the subsidy scheme:

  • the program focuses on sustainable production of biomass for energy / fuels in developing countries. Activities will focus on: -pilots for sustainable production -certification, testing of criteria -indirect effects
  • the subsidies are not meant for commercial investment costs;
  • only projects linked to potentially economically viable trade chains are eligible;
  • no fundamental research, only applied research is eligible for funding;
  • projects need to have spent their money by June 30, 2013;
  • the minimum subsidy per project is 100,000, the maximum is 1,000,000 Euro; 
  • contribution of the applicant (consortium): 50% commercial enterprises, 25% all others. When there is a mix of partners the contribution is calculated according to the use of subsidy;
  • focus countries are: Indonesia, Vietnam, Nicaragua, Colombia, Mozambique, South Africa, Mali, Ethiopia, Tanzania;
  • up to 15% of subsidies can be assigned to projects in other ODA countries than the 9 countries mentioned above;
  • the subsidies are specifically meant to improve the policy framework for sustainable biomass production and use (in the countries in which the projects are executed, in the Netherlands and elsewhere, with governments and other partners). Outputs and results are to be defined accordingly;
  • eligible are private enterprises, non-governmental organisations, research institutions and local governments. Given the focus of the program we would expect consortia to apply.
  • there will be two tenders: one in March 2009 (6.5 million €), closing May 26, 2009; and the second one during the second half of 2009 (6 million €). The total amount available for subsidies is 12.5 million Euro.

SenterNovem, an agency of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, is responsible for the execution of the subsidy scheme. Further information will be published on the SenterNovem website: www.senternovem.nl

Contact information: duurzamebiomassamondiaal@senternovem.nl