In 2026, even more opportunities will be available for entrepreneurs under the Hydrogen in Mobility (SWIM) subsidy scheme. For instance, subsidies are available for mobile hydrogen storage, tube trailers, and hydrogen-powered equipment. Furthermore, the rules for urban hubs and advance payments are becoming more flexible. Entrepreneurs can apply for SWIM from April 1 to May 13, 2026.
Investors in a consortium receive a maximum subsidy of €12 million. This depends on the type of service station and the capacity. The subsidy is for, among other things:
- mobile hydrogen storage;
- tools that can be deployed in the logistics chain;
- expansion and/or upgrade of a hydrogen refueling station for heavy road transport;
- purchase of mobile hydrogen carriers, such as tube trailers (semi-trailers for tanks with gases under high pressure);
- retrofitting
In addition to the expansion to include machinery and mobile hydrogen storage, among other things, the priority rule for urban hubs is also changing this year. Zero-emission zones are now included in this as well. Furthermore, entrepreneurs may apply for a 25% advance payment after the first 50% advance. This is only possible if they have already purchased at least 75% of the heavy vehicles.
Entrepreneurs are expanding the hydrogen network
With the previous subsidy rounds in 2024 and 2025, 19 partnerships already received a total of €72 million in subsidies. With this, entrepreneurs are building and expanding 13 hydrogen refueling stations. The parties purchased a total of 600 vehicles.
Fewer problems with the power grid
Alongside battery-electric vehicles, hydrogen is an alternative to fossil fuels. The technology is particularly interesting for heavy transport. Hydrogen vehicles have a long range and short refueling times (maximum 15 minutes). They also cause fewer problems with the power grid. A hydrogen bus can also offer a solution for wheelchair buses that are too heavy for batteries.
SWIM encourages alternative fuels
SWIM contributes to the requirement to have a hydrogen refueling station at every urban hub by 2030. There are 30 hydrogen refueling stations suitable for heavy transport under development. This includes the new stations from the SWIM 2025 application period. European countries are obliged to encourage the use of fuels other than fossil fuels in infrastructure and transport. This rule has been in effect since April 13, 2024.
What is different about SWIM this year:
Expansion of subsidy opportunities
In 2026, you can also apply for a subsidy for:
- multimodal gas stations
- mobile hydrogen storage
- tools used in the logistics chain
Urban hubs
The priority rule for urban junctions is being expanded to include ZE zones (and ZE zones in preparation). ZE zones stands for zero-emission zones.
Request advance payment
Subsidy applicants may request a further advance of 25% after the first advance of 50% if they have already purchased at least 75% of the heavy vehicles.
To discover the latest innovations and trends in zero-emissions off-highway machines, meet with solution providers and hear talks from industry leaders, book your place to attend the 8th Design & Development of Zero-Emission Off-Highway Machinery Europe, taking place May 27-28, 2026 in Berlin, Germany.
For more information, visit our website or email us at info@innovatrix.eu for the event agenda. Visit our LinkedIn to stay up to date on our latest speaker announcements and event news.
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