The Dutch energy transition: striving for a sustainable and climate-neutral future
The energy transition is a crucial theme in the Netherlands, strongly driven by the government's mission-oriented innovation policy. Through concrete missions, the Netherlands aims to find joint solutions for the challenges ahead while simultaneously creating economic and societal impact. One of the five central missions of the government is to achieve a climate-neutral Netherlands by 2050.
To ensure a livable earth by 2050 and beyond, significant efforts must be made in terms of climate measures. The goal is to reduce national greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 compared to 1990, with an ambition to achieve even a 60% reduction. The ultimate goal is a climate-neutral Netherlands by 2050. This means we must work on various aspects:
Sustainability of the Electricity System and the Built Environment: The electricity system needs to become more sustainable, and natural gas must no longer play a role in the built environment, ensuring that people can live healthily and safely.
Climate-Neutral and Competitive Industry: The industry must become climate-neutral while remaining competitive, which presents a significant challenge but also offers opportunities for innovation.
Emission-Free Mobility: Transportation must become emission-free, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and contributing to air quality.
Fully Circular Economy: A circular economy, in which waste is minimized and materials are continuously reused, is essential for sustainability.
Climate-Neutral Agriculture: The agricultural sector must also become climate-neutral, requiring innovation in agricultural practices and technologies.
The Dutch climate and energy innovation policy primarily focuses on achieving these climate and energy goals, as outlined in the Coalition Agreement and the Climate Agreement. This means that when formulating the 13 Mission-Driven Multi-Year Innovation Programs (MMIPs), the potential contribution to the set goals and cost-effectiveness are central.
Additionally, the international position of the Netherlands in terms of knowledge institutions and the business sector plays an important role in determining the specific focus within the MMIPs and leveraging economic opportunities. The involvement of the business sector is crucial as the production of new technologies, goods, services, and services must ultimately be realized by companies.
The mission-driven top sectors and innovation policy primarily focuses on the economic opportunities arising from societal challenges such as the energy transition and sustainability. Through this joint effort, the Netherlands hopes not only to ensure a livable and sustainable future but also to maintain and further strengthen a strong economic position.
The following chart describes the missions for 2050, the concrete goals for 2030, as well as the tasks for the 13 MMIPs. pdf (overheid.nl)