Prepare your company for EBO3 2027-2030
Is your company ready for the new EBO3 2027-2030 Energy Policy Agreement?
The current Energy Policy Agreement (EBO) expires at the end of 2026. The Flemish Government has now outlined the preliminary framework for a new EBO cycle starting in 2027.
For energy-intensive companies, this agreement provides a framework for managing energy costs, reducing CO₂ emissions and accelerating investments in the energy transition. A well-considered EBO energy plan forms the basis for concrete measures, grants and future-proof business operations.
Sweco helps you translate this ambition into a technically and economically substantiated plan.
Why participate in the EBO?
- Participants may be eligible for a reduction in excise duties on natural gas;
- Access to energy- and climate-related support measures, such as the VLAIO greening scan, GREEN, the ecology premium+ and Flemish transition contracts (TRACKS);
- Possible priority for measures included in the EBO energy plan within the announced prioritisation framework for grid congestion;
- An alternative compliance pathway for the energy management obligations under the new EED Directive;
- An integrated alternative to the existing mandatory, approved energy plan.
The final conditions will be set out in the regulations for the new EBO cycle.
From analysis to concrete energy savings
Technical expertise and collaboration translated into feasible energy measures
| Update of technical description & energy balances Sweco analyses the available energy data and maps the main processes, energy flows and consumers. | Development & screening of the longlist Sweco compiles the measures into a longlist and screens them for technical applicability and energy-saving potential. | Techno-economic assessment Sweco develops the selected measures and determines investment costs, energy savings, CO₂ reduction and profitability. | Reporting & preparation of the EBO energy plan Sweco consolidates the results into a substantiated energy plan in line with the applicable EBO requirements. | ||||
| Identification of potential measures Together, we take stock of existing ideas and identify additional energy-saving potential. | Prioritisation & selection of measures Together, we assess and prioritise the measures based on impact, feasibility and your business context. | Validation & finalisation of the shortlist Together, we validate the results and select the measures to be included in the EBO energy plan. | |||||
Energy analysis | Identification & screening | Detailed assessment & selection | EBO energy plan | ||||
Start your EBO energy plan in good time
The new EBO cycle is expected to begin on 1 January 2027, with 1 October 2027 as the provisional deadline for the energy plan.
A robust energy plan requires research, data, coordination and substantiated reporting.
This is why it is advisable to start preparations in good time.
Sweco provides support with:
- the preparation of your EBO energy plan;
- energy and CO₂ analyses, measurements and monitoring;
- annual EBO monitoring and reporting;
- the development or assessment of your energy management system;
- strategic climate roadmaps towards carbon neutrality;
- the identification and evaluation of energy-saving and climate measures.
The previous EBO cycle already placed strong emphasis on waste heat, renewable energy, electrification and climate roadmaps for ETS sites.
A climate roadmap brings together your starting point, ambitions, technology options and the necessary conditions for a low-carbon future.
What will change from 2027?
The official regulations are still being prepared.
According to the preliminary framework, the following changes are expected:
100 > 85 TJ | 11% IRR | |
| The participation threshold will decrease from 100 TJ to 85 TJ of final energy consumption. | One uniform after-tax IRR threshold of 11% for VER and non-VER companies. |
- Priority in the event of grid congestion
Measures included in an EBO energy plan may be given priority within the grid congestion prioritisation framework, for example when applying for additional grid connection capacity. - Multiple EMS pathways
Different compliance pathways are envisaged for the energy management system (EMS): ISO 50001, ISO 14001 or the updated EBO Annex 9. - Expanded scope
With so-called EE+ measures: in addition to traditional energy-efficiency measures, measures relating to renewable energy and process optimisation will also qualify. - Greater flexibility in implementation
Implementation periods may, under certain conditions, extend beyond the end of the EBO cycle, for example due to the timing of a shutdown or a delay in a grid connection.
Flexibility through replacement measures
A profitable measure with an IRR ≥ 11% and a payback period of more than three years may, under certain conditions, be replaced by:
- Efficiency measure
a less profitable efficiency measure with the same energy savings; - Waste heat
external waste-heat recovery with the same energy content; - Climate measure
a climate measure with at least double the CO₂-equivalent savings.
This new cycle makes energy management an even more powerful strategic lever for your site.
Timeline & deadlines
According to the preliminary texts, the deadline for the energy plan is 1 October 2027.
To allow sufficient time for the energy audit, brainstorming sessions and the development of measures, Sweco recommends starting the process as early as Q4 2026.
| Start of the 4th EBO round 01/01/2027 | Preparation of energy plan Q4 2026 – Sep 2027 | Energy plan deadline 01/10/2027 | EMS deadline 11/10/2027 | End of EBO round or extension 31/12/2030 |
From plan to implementation
An EBO energy plan only creates value when its measures are implemented at your site.
That is why Sweco supports you beyond the study phase alone.
Our experts provide support with, among other things:
- quick scans, feasibility studies and concept engineering;
- technical and economic assessment of proposed measures;
- CapEx, OpEx and return calculations;
- permitting processes and environmental impact assessments;
- basic and detailed engineering;
- procurement and construction management;
- commissioning support, training and operational optimisation.
In doing so, we bring together energy experts, process engineers, water experts, HVAC specialists, cost consultants and project managers.
This enables us to consider your energy project as a whole: from energy demand and technology to permitting, investment and implementation.
From energy plan to effective implementation
Stakeholder buy-in & decision-making
We involve the right stakeholders at key moments. This ensures that measures align with operational needs, strategic priorities and budgets.
RESULT
a plan with stakeholder support, ready for effective implementation
Robust CapEx estimates
We estimate direct, secondary and indirect costs using an AACE-based methodology, taking account of uncertainties and project risks.
RESULT
realistic budgets and substantiated investment decisions
Integrated future vision
We assess measures against the site’s future energy architecture. This helps avoid lock-ins and preserves scope for system integration, electrification and temperature reduction.
RESULT
coherent measures that support the long-term transition
Future-proof technologies
We screen both proven and innovative technologies, such as process intensification, membranes, heat pumps & MVR. Sweco closely follows these developments and has hands-on experience from recent projects.
RESULT
future-proof technology choices with a clear path to practical implementation
These are the four success factors for a well-supported, feasible and future-proof energy plan.
Sweco combines energy advice with engineering, implementation support and permitting expertise.
This enables us to quickly assess technical feasibility, investment costs and project risks.
Manage energy systematically
An energy management system makes energy a permanent management area within your organisation. It gives you greater control over consumption, costs, performance and opportunities for improvement.
Sweco helps you establish or strengthen your EMS through ISO 50001, ISO 14001 or the EBO requirements. We work across four pillars:
- Insight: measurements, energy performance indicators and monitoring;
- Technology: optimisation of processes, installations and controls;
- Operations: energy-efficient use and maintenance on the shop floor;
- Organisation: clear responsibilities, communication and engaged employees.
This embeds continuous improvement in your day-to-day operations.
Make the most of grant and investment opportunities
An EBO energy plan not only helps you prioritise measures, but also enables you to incorporate relevant funding opportunities into your investment strategy.
Sweco takes account of, among other things, the VLAIO greening scan, support schemes for sustainable heat and future funding rounds. For example, EBO study measures can provide a suitable basis for a techno-economic assessment through a VLAIO greening scan.
European and Flemish support mechanisms, such as the EU Heat Auction and Flemish transition contracts (TRACKS), can also be an important lever for the long-term greening of your company.
Your partner for the next EBO cycle
You decide how much support you need. Sweco can take on a focused role, for example through a workshop, second opinion, measurement campaign or feasibility study. Or we can guide your entire journey: from an EBO energy plan and climate roadmap to engineering, delivery and follow-up.
Sweco has supported energy-intensive companies for many years with energy plans, climate roadmaps and the implementation of sustainable energy projects.
Would you like to prepare your company for the EBO cycle starting in 2027?
