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Netherlands
Utilities :: Electricity
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Central government encourages sustainable energy
By 2050, Dutch central government wants to reduce the Netherlands' emissions of greenhouse gases (like carbon dioxide (CO2)) to zero. It plans to make 16% of all energy used in the Netherlands sustainable by 2023. This is outlined in the Energy Agreement for Sustainable Growth that the government made with 40 groups, including employers, trade unions and environmental organisations. The Energy Agenda sets targets for the years up to 2050.
Central government promotes energy savings
Dutch central government is promoting a 1.5% increase in energy savings per year in order to cut CO2 emissions. It is making agreements on this with industry and other economic sectors. Homeowners can get loans or grants to make their homes energy-efficient.
Stimulating the growth of solar energy
Central government is stimulating the growth of solar energy by offering tax cuts to people who team up to generate solar energy.
Wind energy on land
The European Union (EU) is committed to achieving 14% renewable energy by 2020. In the Netherlands, wind energy is a key source of renewable energy, which the country depends on to achieve this goal. So central government has decided to build more onshore wind turbines.
Offshore wind energy
Dutch central government is committed to ensuring that 14% of all energy used in the Netherlands is sustainable by 2020 and 16% by 2023. Wind energy is a key source of renewable energy for the Netherlands, which depends on it to achieve these goals. Government designates sites for offshore wind farms.
Government stimulates biomass energy
Dutch central government supports the development of new technologies for generating biomass energy, for instance through the SDE grant scheme.
Government stimulates geothermal heat
Geothermal heat is a form of energy that uses heat stored in the Earth. It is an environmentally friendly alternative to heating by coal or gas. The government provides grants and other support to stimulate this form of sustainable energy.
The future of fossil fuels
Burning fossil fuels produces carbon dioxide (CO2). This is bad for the climate. Fossil fuel reserves can also run out. That’s why central government wants the Netherlands to have a low-carbon economy by 2050. It’s providing incentives for businesses to make the transition to sustainable energy.
Ensuring the electricity supply
Demand for electricity is growing. The economy depends on a constant supply of electricity. That is why Dutch central government is investing in a safe and reliable electricity network. Government also supports sustainable electricity production and energy efficiency.
Nuclear energy
About 10% of the electricity used in the Netherlands comes from a nuclear power plant. There are no plans to build any new nuclear power plants.
