How the KNVB's charging stations have already generated more than €20,000 through EREs

The KNVB has a clear direction when it comes to mobility: everyone drives electric. With Volkswagen as its main mobility sponsor, the Dutch football association has been systematically making its fleet more sustainable over the past several years. Right now, the charging infrastructure at its headquarters in Zeist is being expanded with no fewer than 36 additional charging points.

That shift to electric isn't just a sustainable choice, it's also a financially smart one. Tim Hofman, Head of Sustainability at the KNVB: "Nine times out of ten we charge here ourselves, which makes driving remarkably cheap. The cost gap with gasoline or diesel just keeps growing."

The challenge: from charging data to EREs to payout

Every time an electric car is charged, the kWh charged can contribute to emission reduction units (EREs, formerly HBEs). These are certificates that can be claimed, traded, and converted into revenue. Fuel suppliers purchase these ERE certificates to meet their legal obligations. As a result, money flows from fossil fuels toward electric charging, CO₂ emissions go down, and dependence on fossil fuels shrinks. The system rewards those who choose to drive electric, contributing to more sustainable mobility.

"I knew EREs existed and that you could sell them, but it was always a bit opaque exactly how that worked," Tim says. The challenge has several layers: correctly submitting charging data, completing a verification process, and then actually selling the EREs in what is a niche market.

On top of that, new legislation brings additional obligations. Companies with charging infrastructure that charge less than 2 million kWh per year, such as the KNVB, which charges roughly 200,000 kWh annually, are required to work with a booking service provider. "With the new booking requirements, a partner like Voltico has essentially become a necessity."

The partnership between the KNVB and Voltico

Tim came across Voltico, and the timing couldn't have been better. "I thought: hey, that's exactly the partner I'm looking for. Can you take this off our hands?"

Voltico manages the entire process end to end: from automatically reading and verifying charging data to registering and selling the EREs. In 2025, the KNVB charged around 200,000 kWh, generating a direct return of roughly €20,000.

But the partnership delivers more than just that figure. "It's also about how it's done. Sten and Maarten are extremely accurate and quick to respond. On top of that, the fully automated fintech software is transparent and reliable. As an organization, that gives you confidence it'll work out." For an organization like the KNVB, which wants to keep its focus on football, that peace of mind is worth just as much as the financial return.

What this means for the broader sports sector

The KNVB isn't the only sports organization that can take advantage of this. Professional football clubs (BVOs) such as Ajax, FC Twente, and AZ also have charging infrastructure on their own grounds, and with it, the same potential for revenue.

For amateur clubs, the situation is different for now. Because the parking areas at amateur sports clubs are typically located on public land, their charging stations often fall under strict public procurement rules. "I'd love to bring this to amateur clubs, but unfortunately that's not possible just yet."

More charging, more ERE revenue

The addition of 36 new charging points means the KNVB will charge significantly more kWh next year, and generate more EREs as a result. Voltico's system scales right along with it.

For organizations with their own charging infrastructure, the data is already there, they just need to find the right partner to put it to good use. The KNVB proves that partnering with a booking service provider can pay off handsomely even for charging volumes under 2 million kWh a year.

Take our quickscan or use the ERE calculator

Curious what Voltico can do for your organization? We're happy to help. Take our no-obligation quickscan to see if your organization qualifies, or use our ERE calculator to see your potential revenue.