Dutch Plan to Cut Emissions by Half and Raise Renewable Capacity by 2030

The measures to cut emissions in half by 2030 are laid down in the new agreement that the Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, Eric Wiebes, sent to parliament. The agreement is based on the principle that reducing carbon emissions must be feasible and affordable for everyone. The government, therefore, seeks to limit the financial impact on households as much as possible and to divide the burden fairly between citizens and businesses.

Over the past year, more than 100 parties worked to produce a package of proposals that will enable the Netherlands to halve its carbon emissions. The government will also introduce additional measures to ensure that the impact in terms of both effort and cost is divided fairly.

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The government is shifting the financial burden from households to businesses. It will reduce the total tax payable on domestic energy use so that households with an average energy consumption will see their annual energy bill fall by €100 next year. Subsequent increases in energy tax will be modest. Industry, on the other hand, will until 2030 contribute more to the renewable energy surcharge than it will receive in transition grants under the Climate Agreement. The government will also ensure that incentives for electric vehicles do not disadvantage people who cannot yet afford to buy an electric car.

The Agreement also fixes volumes for the expansion of wind energy to 2030: 7.5-8.5 GW of onshore and 11.5 GW of offshore wind. It sees renewables providing 75% of electricity in the Netherlands by 2030.

WindEurope Chief Policy Officer Pierre Tardieu said: “The Dutch are setting a good example with their 49% emissions reduction goal. And with their clear numbers for the further expansion of wind energy. But it’s unfortunate they’re reducing incentives for the electrification of industry and transport. Electrification increases energy efficiency and saves money. The Dutch should be embracing it.”

The government is also introducing measures, such as a sensible carbon tax, to make industry cleaner and keep jobs in the country. This will help businesses become more sustainable while strengthening the Netherlands’ competitive position.

“The package of measures being presented today will enable the Netherlands to fulfil its commitments under the Paris Agreement. The government is confident that the National Climate Agreement will make the country economically stronger and more sustainable, for the benefit of all,” the ministry issued in a statement.