HBE stands for Hernieuwbare Brandstofeenheid (renewable fuel unit): the certificate fuel suppliers used since 2015 to prove their annual renewable-energy obligation for transport. On 1 January 2026 the system was replaced by ERE credits (emission reduction units).

How many ERE is 1 HBE worth?

At the official conversion on 1 May 2026, 1 HBE was converted into 46 ERE. That conversion applied to existing HBE units held by businesses; as a household you had no HBE units and there is nothing for you to convert.

Could I earn from home charging before 2026?

No. Under the HBE system only businesses could participate, for example with commercial charge points. Home charging counts since the ERE scheme started on 1 January 2026 • with a MID-certified charger.

Do HBE units still exist?

No. Outstanding HBE units were converted into ERE credits on 1 May 2026. The market, the NEa registry and the fuel suppliers' obligation have run entirely on ERE credits since then.

Knowledge base

From HBE to ERE: what changed in 2026?

HBE units existed since 2015 for businesses. From 2026 ERE credits replace them • and home chargers join for the first time. 1 HBE became 46 ERE.

By Johan Trip and Ruben Stolk · updated August 21, 2026

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Looking for information about HBE certificates? That system was replaced by ERE credits on 1 January 2026. Here is what changed and what it means for you.

What was an HBE?

HBE stands for Hernieuwbare Brandstofeenheid (renewable fuel unit). Since 2015, fuel suppliers had to prove every year that part of their fuel was renewable. They did so with HBE units: certificates created by delivering renewable energy for transport • for example biofuel or charging power at commercial charge points. Households with a home charger could not participate.

What changed on 1 January 2026?

With the new European directive RED III, the Netherlands switched to emission reduction units (ERE credits). The obligation no longer counts energy units but avoided CO₂: 1 ERE represents 1 kilogram of CO₂ reduction. The two main consequences:

1. Home chargers participate for the first time. If you charge at home with a MID-certified charger, your sessions have earned ERE credits since 1 January 2026. Under the HBE system that was not possible. 2. Existing HBE units were converted. On 1 May 2026, outstanding HBE units were officially converted: 1 HBE = 46 ERE.

What do you notice as an EV driver?

Very little • and that is the point. There is nothing to convert or apply for: HBE units only existed for businesses. For you, the new system counts: every kWh charged at home earns a piece of ERE via the NEa formula, €0.12–€0.15 net per kWh in 2026. If you still find explanations of "HBE certificates for home charging" online, they are outdated.