From HBE to ERE: what is changing?

The HBE system was the Dutch way to stimulate renewable energy in the transport sector. It worked as follows:

• Fuel suppliers were legally required to source a percentage of their energy supply from renewable sources. This was called the Annual Transport Energy Obligation.

• For every gigajoule (GJ) of renewable energy they supplied — for example via biofuels or green electricity for EVs — they received an HBE certificate.

• Suppliers that did not deliver enough renewable energy themselves bought HBEs on the market from parties that did have a surplus.

• The Dutch Emissions Authority (NEa) supervised and managed the Transport Energy Register (REV), where all transactions were recorded.

The system therefore focused on the quantity of renewable energy — not on how much CO₂ was actually saved.

The ERE system replaces the HBE system and shifts the focus from volume to impact. It is no longer the quantity of renewable energy that counts, but the actual CO₂ reduction achieved with it.

• One ERE represents one kilogram of avoided CO₂ emissions, measured across the entire chain — from source to wheel (well-to-wheel).

• The obligation for fuel suppliers is now called the Fuel Transition Obligation (BTV) and is expressed as a mandatory percentage of CO₂ reduction instead of a percentage of renewable energy.

• Like HBEs, ERE certificates are tradable — fuel suppliers buy them to meet their obligation.

Measurement based on CO₂ reduction

The biggest difference lies in what is measured. Under the HBE system, every gigajoule of renewable energy counted equally, regardless of how much CO₂ was actually saved. Under the ERE system, the reward is tied to the actual emissions reduction. The greener and more efficient the energy source, the more EREs it generates.

Higher renewable energy obligation

The Annual Transport Energy Obligation has been replaced by the Fuel Transition Obligation (BTV). The mandatory reduction percentage rises from 14.4% in 2026 to 28.4% in 2030 — structurally growing demand for ERE certificates.

Broader scope

The HBE system focused mainly on road transport and rail. The ERE system is broader and also covers inland shipping, maritime transport and potentially construction logistics. The obligations for aviation also tie in with the European ReFuelEU regulation for sustainable aviation fuels.

Private individuals can take part

Under the HBE system, it was virtually impossible for private home chargers to participate. The ERE system is explicitly designed to allow home chargers with their own charging point to take part — via a booking service provider that handles registration, certificate sales and payouts.

New certificate categories

Alongside the standard ERE, the system introduces new categories, including ERE-E for electricity and RAREs (refinery reduction units) for producers that use hydrogen in their processes.

The transition from HBE to ERE flows from the European Renewable Energy Directive III (RED III), part of the "Fit for 55" package with which the EU aims to emit at least 55% less CO₂ by 2030 compared with 1990.

RED III shifts the focus from how much renewable energy is deployed to how much emission is actually avoided. The idea: not all renewable energy sources are equal. A biofuel with a short production process and little transport saves more CO₂ than one shipped from the other side of the world. By measuring in kilograms of avoided CO₂ (well-to-wheel), the most effective solutions are rewarded the most.

The Netherlands implements RED III via the Fuel Transition Obligation, which on 1 January 2026 replaced the Annual Transport Energy Obligation.

On 1 May 2026, the NEa carried out the final year-end closing under HBE rules. The following happened:

• HBEs needed to meet the 2025 annual obligation were retired.

• HBEs above the savings cap expired.

• Remaining HBE balances were converted to EREs at a rate of 1 HBE = 46 ERE.

• The HBE types (advanced, Annex IX-B, conventional) retained their classification after conversion.

From that moment on, only ERE certificates are issued and traded.

For home chargers, the transition to the ERE system is mostly positive. The HBE system was mainly aimed at large fuel suppliers and energy companies. The ERE system opens the door for private individuals:

• You can have your charged kWh registered and converted into ERE certificates via a booking service provider.

• You need a charger with an integrated MID-certified meter.

• The payout per kWh in Q1 2026 was around €0.07 to €0.15 gross. Read more about current prices in our article on the price of an ERE.

• You can register with retroactive effect to 1 January 2026 — the registration deadline was May 2026.

What is the difference between an HBE and an ERE?

An HBE (Renewable Fuel Unit) represented one gigajoule of renewable energy, regardless of CO₂ savings. An ERE (Emission Reduction Unit) represents one kilogram of actually avoided CO₂ emissions. The focus has shifted from volume to impact.

Why was the HBE system replaced?

The transition flows from the European Renewable Energy Directive III (RED III). This directive requires EU member states to no longer steer on the quantity of renewable energy, but on actual CO₂ reduction across the entire chain (well-to-wheel).

Since when has the ERE system been in force?

The ERE system came into effect on 1 January 2026. The final year-end closing under HBE rules took place on 1 May 2026. Remaining HBE balances were converted to EREs at a rate of 1 HBE = 46 ERE.

What is the Fuel Transition Obligation (BTV)?

The BTV is the successor to the Annual Transport Energy Obligation. Fuel suppliers are required to reduce a growing percentage of their CO₂ emissions — from 14.4% in 2026 to 28.4% in 2030. To meet this obligation, they buy ERE certificates.

Could I as a private individual also take part in the HBE system?

Not in practice. The HBE system was virtually only accessible to large fuel suppliers and energy companies. The ERE system is explicitly designed to allow private home chargers to take part as well.

What do I need to receive ERE certificates?

You need a charger with an integrated MID-certified meter and a contract with a recognised booking service provider. They handle registration, certificate sales and payouts. Read more in our complete guide to ERE certificates.

How much does an ERE earn?

The market price per ERE in Q1 2026 ranged between €0.30 and €0.46. Translated, that comes to roughly €0.07 to €0.15 gross per charged kWh. Read more about this in our article on the price of an ERE.

Which sectors fall under the ERE system?

The ERE system is broader than the HBE system. In addition to road transport, inland shipping, maritime transport and potentially construction logistics also fall under the scheme. The obligations for aviation tie in with the European ReFuelEU regulation.