In pursuit of a sustainable and climate-friendly future, the Netherlands has signed an ambitious agreement that calls for a drastic change in energy infrastructure. The Energy Agreement for Sustainable Growth, signed by a wide range of stakeholders, marks a concerted effort to promote renewable energy, increase energy efficiency, and accelerate the transition to natural gas-free neighbourhoods.
In this blog, we take a closer look at the climate agreement. We look at what approach the Dutch government is taking to renew its energy infrastructure. We do so on the basis of several subtopics:
Do you want your innovation to make it easier to meet ESG targets? Would you like to develop your idea in collaboration with Beeliners? We would love to help you! Feel free to drop by for a cup of coffee and we will be happy to discuss the possibilities with you.
Climate agreement
The Dutch government has drawn up the Climate Accord, which contains concrete targets and measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The agreement targets several sectors, including industry, built environment, mobility, and the electricity sector. It aims to significantly increase the share of renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Some concrete examples of measures from the Dutch climate agreement are:
- Renewable energy production:
- Offshore wind: Expansion of offshore wind farms to increase offshore wind power capacity. This will generate a significant share of electricity demand sustainably.
- Solar on land and rooftop: Encourage solar panels on rooftops of homes and businesses, as well as the development of solar energy projects at suitable locations on land.
- Mobility and Electric Transport:
- Electric Driving: Encourage electric transport through subsidies for electric cars, the expansion of charging infrastructure and discouraging fossil fuels.
- Sustainable Public Transport: Promoting sustainable public transport, including investment in electric buses and improving cycling infrastructure.
- Industry and Innovation:
- CO2 Capture and Storage (CCS): Research and implementation of CO2 capture and storage technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in industry.
- Hydrogen: Support projects and research on the production and application of green hydrogen as a sustainable energy carrier.
Grants and incentive schemes
The government offers various grants and incentive schemes to support renewable energy projects. This includes subsidies for solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources, as well as schemes for energy saving in industry and the built environment.
Some examples of subsidies and incentive schemes from the Dutch government are: SDE++ scheme, ISDE scheme, Energy Investment Allowance and the Energy Use Reduction Scheme. For more information on the various subsidies and schemes, visit the central government website.
Energy Agreement
The Energy Agreement for Sustainable Growth is a national agreement in the Netherlands concluded between more than 40 parties, including the government, employers, trade unions, nature and environmental organisations, and other stakeholders. The agreement aims to accelerate the transition to a sustainable, reliable, and affordable energy supply system.
The Energy Agreement provides an important framework for the Dutch energy transition and aims to meet national climate targets, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable growth. It is important to note that there have been further developments and additional agreements since the Energy Agreement was concluded, such as the Climate Agreement presented in 2019.
Regional energy strategies (RES)
The Dutch government encourages regions to jointly draw up Regional Energy Strategies. In these, choices are made about renewable energy generation, heat transition, and energy saving at regional level. This creates local support and exploits the specific potential of each region.
Innovation and research
The government invests in renewable energy research and innovation. This includes support for new technologies, such as smart grids, energy storage, and hydrogen technology, to accelerate the energy transition.
Do you have a good idea to better realise the sustainable energy infrastructure and could use help developing your innovation? We would be happy to help you realise your product.
Natural gas-free neighbourhoods
Efforts are being made to make neighbourhoods natural gas-free. This involves adapting existing homes and buildings to be less dependent on natural gas, with alternative heat sources such as heat pumps and district heating.
Collaborations with stakeholders
The government is working with business, municipalities, provinces, and civil society organisations to jointly shape the energy transition. This cooperation is crucial to create broad support and accelerate the transition at local and national level.
Working on your ESG-innovation together with Beeliners
Do you have a good idea for a product, service, process or technological innovation that makes it easier to achieve ESG goals? And would you like to develop your idea in collaboration with Beeliners? Beeliners has an innovation cell dedicated to innovations in energy and heating systems. Feel free to drop by for a cup of coffee and we will be happy to discuss the possibilities with you.
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