Air pollution - Drivers and pressures (Netherlands)

Domestic energy consumption

In 2008, total domestic energy consumption declined by 0.8 % compared to 2007. The decrease was largest in the industry (-6.5 % in 2008), because of the economic recession. Primary energy consumption and electricity production by the power sector fell by 4 %. In contrast, energy consumption by households increased by 6 % compared to 2007 (which had a mild winter), and electricity use by households increased by 2.3 % compared to 2007. In addition, energy use by traffic increased by 2.5 %. More information can be found at:

• http://www.milieuennatuurcompendium.nl/indicatoren/nl0052-Binnenlands-verbruik-van-energiedragers-per-doelgroep.html?i=6-40
• Brandstofverbruik door de industrie, 1990-2007
• Energieverbruik door huishoudens, 1990-2007

Road transport: volume developments and emissions

Road transport volumes have grown further, while air pollution by traffic (NO_x and PM10) continued to decline (Figure 5). Recently, it has become clear that NO_x- emissions from diesel cars have decreased much less than anticipated by the subsequent EU standards. This has not been fully accounted for in Figure 5.

Figure 5: Emissions of NO_x and PM10 from road traffic have decreased despite growing traffic volume. Source: http://www.milieuennatuurcompendium.nl/indicatoren/nl0082-Emissies-naar-lucht-per-doelgroep%2C-volgens-IPCC-en-NEC.html?i=14-70

Emissions of air pollutants per sector

About 90 % of the NH₃ emissions and 60 % of the CH₄ emissions are caused by agriculture (Figure 6). About 90 % of the SO₂ emissions are caused by industry, energy and refineries. About 60 % of the NO_x and CO emissions are caused by transport. Many sectors contribute substantially to the national emissions of PM10 and NMVOC.

Figure 6: Contributions of different sectors to emissions of air pollutants and their precursors.