24 april 2020
Climate verdict leads to 75% reduction in use of coal-fired plants + €3 billion for Urgenda’s ’54 climate solutions’ plan
Today, the Dutch government launched its plan to comply with the recent climate ruling of the Dutch Supreme Court, which requires national CO2 emissions in 2020 to be reduced by at least 25% compared to 1990. This requires the Netherlands to reduce emissions by 15 megatonnes (Mt) this year. To reach this, the government has opted to reduce coal-fired power station capacity by an impressive 75% together with a number of smaller measures that entail significant positive co-benefits. These benefits include lower energy bills for individuals and small business, a boost to the local economy, more biodiversity and cleaner air. According to the government, their plan will result in a reduction of 8 Mt of CO2. Together with additional measures taken in 2019 and early 2020, this could add up to a 11 Mt reduction. This leaves only 4 Mt to go.
A promising start
The government chose to implement some 30 measures out of Urgenda’s '54 climate solutions’: a plan devised by Urgenda to assist the cabinet in 2019, which it developed with the support of 800 organisations, from local energy cooperatives to paper manufacturers. By choosing so many of Urgenda’s solutions, the government is not only opting for the cheapest solutions (total or partial closure of coal-fired power stations), but also for measures with popular support and broader environmental benefits, including cleaner air and more biodiversity. Urgenda is pleased that today's extra package also includes solutions that can help to generate more work for small businesses and the self-employed during the COVID-19 crisis. The extra package also includes measures that will permanently lower energy bills, especially for tenants and people with lower incomes.
Coal plants: closed or down to 25% of capacity
For the government, closing coal-fired power stations is the cheapest option per tonne reduction of CO2 emissions. The oldest Dutch power station was closed on the 1st of January 2020 (a net reduction of 1 Mt). The remaining new coal-fired power stations will be required to reduce the use of coal to around 25% of their capacity (depending on the technical minimum). In recent plans, the government suggested closing another plant entirely. This is currently not in the letter to the Dutch parliament in which they describe their CO2 reduction plan, but it would be an important step for advancing compliance with the Supreme Court ruling. In any case, a reduction of coal fired electricity of about 75% is already foreseen.
Some major savings in industry and transport.
The government will also set aside money for major savings in the industrial sector. These include, for example, methane reduction at the chemical compound Chemelot; tackling the flaring of methane gas by the coal and gas industries; and setting targets for the inland shipping industry to run partly on bio-based fuels.
€3 billion for 30 of Urgenda’s solutions
Urgenda’s ’54 climate solutions’ plan would reduce greenhouse gas emisisons by 17 Mt within one year. Some measures from this plan were implemented after the first version of the plan was published in June 2019, and others were implemented in November 2019. Together with today’s announcements, the government will be adopting up to a total 30 measures that will be implemented partly or fully. In total more than €3 billion will be spent on these measures, including €2 billion for solar projects that are ready to start this year.
A summary of these measures includes:
- €2 billion for more renewable energy, mostly roof-top solar.
- €400 million to save energy in households: insulation, solar boilers, double glazing, stand by savers, CV optimisation etc.
- Maximum speed-limit reduced from 130km/h to 100km/h during daytime hours; more sustainable concrete in several road-building projects and incentives for more electric cars and construction vehicles.
- €360 million to help farmers retire early or close their farms in order to reduce livestock numbers
- €30 million for LED lighting in greenhouses.
- Reforms to some laws and regulations that will result in more renewable energy.
- Better recycling of plastics and refrigerators.
- More sustainable forest management; more trees and forests; greener neighbourhoods.
- More inspections and better enforcement of environmental laws.
- Solar panels on governmental buildings and schools.
The measures that Urgenda and 800 organisations offered the government to implement the 25% reduction order from the court are published
here.
These are the ones that have been or will be partly or wholly implemented by the government: 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 32, 33, 34, 35, 37, 39, 41, 42, 43, 44, 46, 47, 53, 54.
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Contacts:
or + 31 1566 5491
or + 31 6 4178 6101
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Background information:
The measures that Urgenda and 800 organisations offered the government to implement the 25% reduction order from the court are published
here.
