In a review of the Netherlands' energy policy, the International Energy Agency (IEA) praises the country's market openness and infrastructural investments in oil and gas, which position it as an energy hub and a source of flexibility and energy security for the region.
The report, however, also urges the Netherlands to accelerate its decarbonization efforts, noting that it has one of the most fossil-fuel intensive economies among IEA member countries.
22 April 2014: In a review of the Netherlands’ energy policy, the International Energy Agency (IEA) praises the country’s market openness and infrastructural investments in oil and gas, which position it as an energy hub and a source of flexibility and energy security for the region. The report, however, also urges the Netherlands to accelerate its decarbonization efforts, noting that it has one of the most fossil-fuel intensive economies among IEA member countries.
During the launch of the report, which took place in The Hague, the Netherlands, Maria van der Hoeven, IEA Executive Director, highlighted decarbonization as an achievable goal, saying that “lower-carbon energy use, especially in industry and transport, makes economic sense and can improve both sustainability and competitiveness.” She added that the transition to a low-carbon economy should also take steps to ensure energy security, for example, by diversifying oil supplies, encouraging faster permits and public acceptance, and creating new storage for a robust natural gas infrastructure.
Although the Netherlands is Europe’s second-largest producer of natural gas, the report warns of falling production in an economy built on energy intensive industries, particularly the refining, petrochemical and agricultural sectors. IEA finds that the country lags behind its national renewable energy target, and will need to adopt a comprehensive, long-term renewable energy policy to achieve its goals for 14% renewables goal for 2020 and 16% for 2023.
Based on these findings, the IEA offers five key recommendations for the Government: ensure timely implementation of the Energy Agreement for Sustainable Growth; develop a longer-term, consistent energy policy framework for 2030; ensure security of supply and energy infrastructure resilience; engage with North-West European electricity and gas market jurisdictions; and create opportunities for international technology and innovation partnerships for clean energy. [IEA Press Release] [Publication: Energy Policies of IEA Countries – The Netherlands 2014]