The energy transition in the Netherlands

What about traveling? Enerfip takes you to the Netherlands to discover their energy transition policy. In Europe, they are seen as pioneers in the energy transition. By affirming their unwavering commitment to a sustainable future, the Netherlands has become an inspiring example of leadership in the global quest for cleaner, renewable energy sources. As good students, our Dutch neighbors promote an ambitious sustainable policy and good ecological practices.

Focus on the Netherlands, their bold initiatives, their avant-garde policies and their progressive vision!

The Dutch Transition Strategy

– A national objective of carbon neutrality by 2050 and an ambition of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 49% greenhouse by 2030.
– Direct access to the North Sea, a prime area for the development of offshore wind projects and exploration for CO2 sequestration Rotterdam.
– The Port of Rotterdam, 1st European port and 10th world port, import-export hub.

Data from the survey, “The Netherlands’ Hydrogen Strategy”, conducted by New Energy Systems for the National Hydrogen Observatory in December 2022.

When it comes to the energy transition, the Netherlands stands out for its resolute commitment to sustainability and innovation. Through its holistic approach integrating ambitious policies to combat climate change, it promotes renewable energies (RE) and boosts economic circularity. How? By paying particular attention to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but also by developing clean technologies and stimulating sustainable entrepreneurship.

To carry out the country's sustainable projects, the government, the private sector, and civil society are collaborating. They are all banking on proactive engagement in connection with a greener and more circular economic transition.

However, it is worth noting that the recent parliamentary elections could call into question the speed of the energy transition in the Netherlands. Why? Not only did Geert Wilders' populist PVV party come out on top, the rise in popularity of the BBB (farmers' party) and the NSC (anti-establishment party) has also shaken up the political scene in The Hague. To be continued...

The REPowerEU plan

The figures
– The EU wants to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030.
– Since September 2002, Russian gas has accounted for only 8% of all pipeline imports into the EU, compared to 41% in August 2021.
– The EU wants to replace 12 billion m3 of gas with renewable energy.

Figures from “REPowerEU, affordable, secure and sustainable energy for Europe” for the European Commission in May 2023.

To address disruptions to the global energy market due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the European Commission has implemented the REPowerEU plan. What is it? An energy policy promoting the recovery and resilience of EU countries in order to abolish the EU's dependence on Russian gas, oil, and coal imports.

Since 2002, REPowerEU has aimed to save energy, produce clean energy, and diversify its energy supplies. To this end, in October 2023, the Council adopted implementing decisions validating the recovery and resilience plans amended by certain countries such as the Netherlands.

Cooperation between France and the Netherlands

Franco-Dutch friendship was once again highlighted in April 2023 with the signing of the pact for innovation and sustainable growth. What is the objective? To stimulate public-private partnerships in these areas and find new synergies between their economic, industrial, and research ecosystems.

In terms of renewable energy, France and the Netherlands agree on the importance of decarbonizing energy mixes to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Both are considering a strategy focused on greener energies, such as offshore wind and hydrogen.

• Since 2010, hydrogen consumption in the Netherlands has grown exponentially, reaching 1.7 MtH2 in 2018 (25% of European consumption).
• Regarding carbon capture and storage (CCS), these two European powers are involved in various projects for the transport, sequestration, and reuse of CO2. Why? To facilitate the large-scale decarbonization of their industrial centers.
• France and the Netherlands are also cooperating on the development of a sustainable aircraft powered by hydrogen and electricity. Furthermore, to increase sustainable mobility, AFKLM and TotalEnergies signed a memorandum of understanding on sustainable aviation fuels in December 2022.
• Aeronautics is not the only project of these two European countries, far from it! There is also the automobile industry. As part of the European Nextmove competitiveness cluster, France and the Netherlands are committed to decarbonizing individual road transport. To do this, they are both participating in the IPCEI (Important Project of Common European Interest) Battery, which aims to highlight the strategic value chain of batteries.

For all these reasons and many more, Enerfip has decided, in 2023, to open a branch in Amsterdam, in order to develop its activity in the Benelux. At the head of this subsidiary, Stephen Parkins is responsible for promoting Enerfip's values ​​and finding investors to enhance the company's international presence.