An analysis carried out in November 2019 by the Dutch Environment Agency (PBL) shows that the Netherlands is not on track to meet the target of a 49% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. An updated estimate of emissions reductions, covering the impact of all measures in the climate agreement and additional measures for 2019 and 2020, is expected in October 2020. As the Netherlands implements the 2019 climate agreement and other policy initiatives, the government should closely monitor progress on emissions reductions and other energy sector targets and be prepared to adapt policies if necessary to keep the country on track for a low-carbon economy , while ensuring energy security. The IEA regularly conducts in-depth assessments of the energy policy of its Member States. This process supports the development of energy policy and encourages the exchange of best practices and experiences to promote a safe and affordable energy transition. The Netherlands is striving to move quickly to a carbon-neutral economy that will support strong economic growth and energy security. To advance this transition, the government`s energy and climate policy focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, with targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 49% by 2030 and 95% by 2050 from 1990 levels. The country`s 2019 climate agreement sets out strategies and measures to support these emission reductions and was developed through a collaborative process involving parts of Dutch society as a whole. The Netherlands has made remarkable progress in the transition to a carbon-neutral economy. Increased energy efficiency is reflected in energy needs that are decoupling economic growth.
In addition, the share of energy produced from renewable sources doubled between 2008 and 2019. However, the Netherlands remains highly dependent on fossil fuels and has a concentration of energy-intensive industries and emissions that will be difficult to decarbonize. In this report, the IEA contains a number of energy policy recommendations aimed at helping the Netherlands manage the transition to an efficient and flexible carbon-neutral energy system smoothly. The main greenhouse gas is carbon dioxide or CO2 (56%), followed by methane (32%) and pro dury (6%). These gases enter the atmosphere when oil, gas and coal are burned, for example in industry and transportation, and through intensive livestock farming.