The Dutch government has announced additional measures aimed at achieving the country’s climate goals for 2030.
Minister of Climate and Energy, Jetten, announced that the measures should ensure an additional emission reduction of approximately 22 megatons. The country aims to achieve a reduction of 55%-60% in CO2 emissions in 2030 compared to 1990 levels. The government believes that climate policy should work for everyone, regardless of their place of residence, age, or income.
The government is focusing on actionable measures, with a package of 22 megatons to close the gap, in addition to the coalition agreement. An additional contribution is being requested from each sector based on the possibilities of reducing CO2 emissions more quickly within the sectors up to 2030. The government aims to build in certainty in this respect so that setbacks can be absorbed.
The cabinet wants the electricity sector to be CO2-free by 2035. To achieve this, the government wants to realize 3 GW of solar energy at sea by 2030, convert gas-fired power plants to use hydrogen, and introduce a battery obligation for solar parks.
Climate neutral
The energy-intensive industry will be net climate neutral in 2040, thanks to the European emissions trading system. With this package, an extra contribution is requested from the industry. New energy sources and carriers such as hydrogen are being scaled up, among other things. The cabinet is committed to less incineration and more recycling at waste incineration plants and is introducing a ban on fossil heat generation for new and industrial production installations that are to be replaced. To accelerate the transition to a circular industry, from 2027 all plastics must consist of at least 25-30% recycled or biomaterial. The government is also increasing the ambition level of tailor-made agreements so that more emissions can be reduced at the largest emitters via this route.
Sustainable homes
The Dutch government aims to have all buildings and offices be emission and natural gas-free by 2050. In order to achieve this, the government will allocate extra money in the coming years to make homes in vulnerable neighborhoods where energy poverty occurs more sustainable. The government also wants to use a subsidy to encourage more solar panels to be installed on rental homes. By setting standards, the cabinet encourages more biobased construction. The government is developing a targeted unburdening approach for business parks and small and medium-sized enterprises.
2050 targets
The cabinet aims to have clean driving in the Netherlands by 2050 without emitting harmful exhaust gases. The government wants to increase the share of electric cars for work traffic, and employers are encouraged to encourage employees to use electric cars, public transport, or bicycles. The government is also subsidizing the purchase of a second-hand electric car to make electric driving more accessible. The cabinet is investing in extra charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, so that a faster roll-out of electric driving is possible in the city and region.
In 2050, the government aims to have sustainable agriculture and land use. To achieve this, the government has opted for an integrated approach in which the challenges in the areas of climate, environment, water, and nitrogen are addressed via the agricultural agreement and the national rural area programme. The goal is to fulfill the target of 5 megatons of CO2 reduction.
The Dutch government’s new measures are part of its Climate Package, which it considers fair, feasible, and ambitious. The government is also looking for opportunities for companies to lead the way with sustainable products, circular production processes, or innovative, climate-friendly applications – the revenue models of the future.
