A Dutch consortium has secured more than €20m/$23m in subsidy from RvO, with a total project budget exceeding €30m/$35m, to advance long-duration energy storage technologies.
The SLDBatt project, part of the Growth Fund Material Independence & Circular Batteries, is now the largest R&D initiative in the Netherlands focused on sustainable electricity storage.
The programme directly supports the Growth Fund’s objectives: strengthening the Dutch manufacturing industry’s role in the global battery chain, while prioritising sustainability, reduced reliance on scarce materials, and circularity.
The €30 million investment from the Nationaal Groeifonds into long-duration energy storage marks a pivotal step in accelerating affordable, Netherlands-made battery technologies. It bolsters the country’s clean industrial base, enhances energy security, and positions both the Netherlands and Europe to lead the next phase of renewable adoption.
The consortium brings together Dutch start-ups AquaBattery, Elestor and Exergy Storage, alongside industrial partner Nobian and international energy company RWE. Coordinated by Battery Competence Cluster NL (BCC-NL), the collaboration ensures long-duration energy storage technological development, implementation and knowledge sharing.
“This project builds the knowledge, technology and demonstrators needed for commercialisation of long duration battery systems and positions the Netherlands as a leader in sustainable energy storage for Europe and beyond,” said Jiajun Cen, CEO of AquaBattery. “It also reflects the Dutch and European strategy for energy security and resilience through circular and independent material development for a critical energy technology class. We are excited to be part of this innovative collaboration to accelerate market readiness of our sustainable battery technology and contribute to a vital, new industry through the centre of expertise.”
Image: Photo: Minister Hermans of the Ministry of Climate and Green Growth (KGG) with representatives from the SLDBatt consortium at the IEA Energy Storage Symposium 13 November 2025 following the public announcement of the subsidy award by the Minister. From left to right: Dries Kreuskens (Elestor), Elena Sbenghea (BCC-NL), Guido Mul (Universiteit Twente), Minister Hermans (KGG), Wiebrand Kout (Elestor), Jiajun Cen (AquaBattery), Janneke Tjon Pian Gi (AquaBattery), Ben van Vulpen (Exergy Storage). Credit: Mathias de Graag/RVO.
