Dutch government to invest €28 billion into new climate package
The government will meet its climate goals under the EU’s Fit for 55 package by introducing additional measures to reduce CO2 emissions by further 22 megatons until 2030, Climate and Energy Policy Minister Rob Jetten announced on Wednesday.
Introduced in 2021, the Fit for 55 package aims to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by 55% in 2030 compared to 1990. The government’s urgency in doubling down on emission reduction efforts may be a consequence of the decreasing share of renewable energy in the Dutch energy mix in recent years.
“The Netherlands has been lagging behind the climate targets for years. Now is the time to make the big leap,” Jetten stated.
“At the same time, all Dutch people must be able to transition. Especially the people for whom this is currently less the case. Climate policy must work for everyone,” he added.
The new package includes 120 measures, ranging from improving isolation in houses of low-income families, which will receive funding of up to €425 million, to investments into solar energy. The cabinet will also push for the construction of smaller nuclear reactors.
The package also foresees the blending of petrol and diesel with biofuels, which will slightly increase the petrol price by a few cents per litre. Furthermore, the government plans to subsidise purchases of second-hand electric vehicles with €600 million.
Nonetheless, the plans also received criticism from the ranks of the opposition.
“This package does not convince. It lacks the inspiration that climate policy so desperately needs. These are the big steps towards a clean and healthy society. Clean air, a solution to the nitrogen crisis and the climate approach go hand in hand, if you dare to choose,” Green party MP Suzanne Kröger tweeted.
In March, a special climate commission urged the government to implement additional measures, such as supplementary taxation of meat and dairy products, if it wants to reach the climate goals included in the coalition agreement.
Just earlier this week, the Netherlands reached an agreement with the UK which foresees the construction of a new power line linking both countries, which aims to increase cooperation in offshore wind power and boost energy security.
(Benedikt Stöckl | EURACTIV.com)
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