Amsterdam-based Invest-NL, a national financing and development institution, has partnered with the European Commission’s Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Facility (AFIF) to finance emission-free public transport.
The deal under this partnership was announced today, with Invest-NL providing a €5M loan to support Qbuzz bv’s transition from diesel to electric buses.
The project, which also includes a €3.9M AFIF subsidy and €5.9M from Qbuzz, aims to accelerate the electrification of public transport across the Netherlands.
Leo Holwerda, Director of Capital at Invest-NL, says, “This investment in the transition to zero-emission public transport fits in seamlessly with our mission to finance sustainable innovations in the Netherlands.”
“Thanks to our collaboration with Qbuzz and the implementation of the AFIF subsidy, we are giving a strong boost to the sustainability of public transport and the reduction of CO2 emissions. This project shows once again how we can mobilise the necessary capital for a sustainable future with public funds.”
What does Qbuzz offer?
Founded in 2008, Utrecht-based Qbuzz claims to have become a prominent public transport provider in the Netherlands, serving over 350,000 daily passengers across bus, tram, and train services in regions such as Groningen-Drenthe, Utrecht, and Drechtsteden.
As a subsidiary of Italy’s Busitalia, Qbuzz focuses on sustainable, reliable, and passenger-oriented mobility solutions.
With a workforce of over 3,150 employees, Qbuzz is committed to innovation and customer service, continuously advancing toward more sustainable and efficient transport solutions.
Capital utilisation
The investment will fund the installation of 386 new charging points, including a fast-charging station at Groningen’s main station, and battery storage systems.
Additionally, four charging depots, a fast-charging location, and battery storage systems will be installed to optimise network capacity and reduce grid congestion.
These upgrades are expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 38 million kilograms annually, significantly contributing to environmental goals.
The infrastructure rollout will take place over the next two years, facilitating the replacement of more than 400 diesel buses in the Zuid-Holland Noord and Groningen-Drenthe regions with electric alternatives.
This initiative aligns with the broader push towards emission-free public transport by 2030, benefiting both the environment and the economy.
The collaboration between Qbuzz, Invest-NL, and the European Commission underscores a shared commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and modernising the public transport system for the future.
Brief about Invest-NL
Founded in 2020, Invest-NL is an impact investment firm focused on driving sustainability and innovation in the Netherlands. The firm finances visionary entrepreneurs and projects that contribute to the future economy, aiming for both impact and financial returns.
Invest-NL takes responsible risks, leverages European funds, and works collaboratively to make ambitious projects feasible.
The firm’s long-term approach emphasises societal and environmental benefits, supporting entrepreneurs and technologies that will shape the Netherlands by 2050. By reducing risks for others, they help turn innovative ideas into reality.
Earlier this month, Invest-NL announced that it will receive €900M in additional government financing through 2029. This includes €600M from the Ministry of Finance to boost its core capital to support startups’ growth into scale-ups.
An additional €250M will expand Invest-NL’s blended finance activities. Another €50M will go to the Economic Security Protection Facility to protect national security by intervening in foreign investments. Lastly, €100M from the reserved funds will be allocated to Invest International in 2026.
01
How Gen Z affects B2B social media