From 9 to 15 percent renewable energy over four years

Different types of renewable energy are increasingly being used. In 2022, energy from biomass contributed 5.9 percent to gross final energy consumption; wind energy contributed 4.2 percent and solar energy 3.4 percent. The share of heat pump energy is much lower at 1.1 percent, but has grown in recent years.

The target of 27 percent is likely to be tightened due to new agreements within the European Union. How the various targets are progressing in the Netherlands is visualised in the Green Deal Dashboard (in Dutch only), launched today.

Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions

The growing renewable energy consumption is contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Since 2019, emissions have declined by 15 percent. The largest decline has taken place in the climate sector Electricity (26 percent). Even before the European Green Deal was launched, greenhouse gas emissions from electricity production were already declining substantially. This was mainly due to the closure of coal-fired power stations. In 2022, high energy prices and decreasing natural gas consumption also played a role in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The effects are visible in the climate sectors of Manufacturing, Agriculture and the Built environment.

GHG emissions in 2022 almost 31 percent lower than in 1990

By 2030, greenhouse gas emission levels must be at least 55 percent lower than in 1990. This goal has been laid down in the Dutch Climate Act. It means that in 2030, the Netherlands will be allowed to emit 103 billion kg CO₂ equivalents. Emissions declined sharply between 2019 and 2022 by 27 billion kg CO₂ equivalents. To meet the target, emissions still need to be reduced by 55 billion kg CO₂ equivalents.

More summer days, higher sea level

One of the main goals of the Green Deal is to combat climate change. The Green Deal Dashboard also includes figures from the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) on climate and weather. These figures show what we notice about climate change in the Netherlands. For example, the number of summer weather days measured in De Bilt has increased. The average over the years 1961 to 1990 inclusive was 18 days per year. Now, we can expect on average 28 days with temperatures at or exceeding 25 degrees Celsius in De Bilt.

Due to climate change, sea levels are rising, also in the Netherlands. Since 1890, the sea level on the Dutch coast has risen by 25 cm compared to the Normal Amsterdam Level (NAP). This takes into account the impact of subsidence. Sea level rise is accelerating in many parts of the world. Such an acceleration has also been observed in the Netherlands.