Climate change mitigation - Drivers and pressures (Netherlands)

National and sectoral greenhouse gas emissions

Figure 1 – Greenhouse gas emissions per sector in the Netherlands

Source: Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (PRTR) (2009, PBL)

In 2008, Dutch national emissions were 206 Mtonnes CO₂ equivalent, which is about 3 % below the emissions of 1990[1]. Carbon dioxide emissions, about 85 % of the total in greenhouse gas emissions, increased by 10 % between 1990 and 2007. Non-CO₂ emissions (methane, nitrous oxide and fluorinated greenhouse gases) decreased by 40 % in this period. With an 48 % share in 2008, the energy and industry sectors are the largest contributors of national greenhouse gas emissions. The energy sector alone contributed 31 % to national emissions in 2008. The transport sector, with an 18 % share in 2008, is also a significant emitter of greenhouse gases in the Netherlands.

• Greenhouse gas emission in the Netherlands between 1990 and 2007 http://www.pbl.nl/en/publications/2009/Greenhouse-gas-emissions-in-the-Netherlands-1990-2007.html
• Sectoral greenhouse gas emissions in the Netherlands between 1990 and 2008 http://www.milieuennatuurcompendium.nl/indicatoren/nl0168-Broeikasgasemissies-per-Streefwaarde-sector.html?i=9-20

Energy

Electricity is mainly produced by coal-fired and gas-fired power stations. Compared to other EU countries, the contribution of nuclear and renewable energy sources to electricity production is small. In 2008, the share of renewable energy accounted for about 7.5 % of domestic electricity consumption.

• Fuel consumption and power production between 1990 and 2008 http://www.milieuennatuurcompendium.nl/indicatoren/nl0019-Brandstofverbruik-en-netto-elektriciteitsproductie-door-elektriciteitscentrales.html?i=6-38
• Emissions to air from power stations between 1990 and 2008 http://www.milieuennatuurcompendium.nl/indicatoren/nl0121-Emissies-naar-lucht-door-de-energievoorziening.html?i=6-139
• Production of renewable electricity between 1990 and 2008 http://www.milieuennatuurcompendium.nl/indicatoren/nl0517-Duurzame-elektriciteit.html?i=6-139

Industry

Energy-related greenhouse gas emissions from industry declined in the period 1990 to 2008. This was partly due to an increased use of cogeneration in joint ventures (the emissions of which are ascribed to the energy sector).

Non-energy-related greenhouse gas emissions from industry have been declining since 1999. This is mainly due to reduction in non-CO₂ greenhouse gas emissions (such as fluorinated greenhouse gases and nitrous oxide). The nitrous oxide emissions from industry have dropped significantly since 2007 (23 % compared to 2006), due to abatement technology installed at all nitric acid production plants.

• Energy consumption by industry between 1990 and 2008 http://www.milieuennatuurcompendium.nl/indicatoren/nl0017-Energieverbruik-door-de-industrie.html?i=15-51

Transport

Despite efforts to increase fuel efficiency of cars, CO₂ emissions from road transport increased by more than 35 % between 1990 and 2008. In recent years, biofuel blending has led to significant emission reductions. Biofuels share in fuels for road transport accounted for 2 % in 2007 and increased to more than 3 % in 2008.

• Road transport volume development and emissions to air between 1990 and 2008 http://www.milieuennatuurcompendium.nl/indicatoren/nl0127-Wegverkeer%3A-volumeontwikkeling-en-milieudruk.html?i=15-103
• Energy consumption in transport between 1990 and 2008 http://www.milieuennatuurcompendium.nl/indicatoren/nl0030-Energieverbruik-door-verkeer-en-vervoer.html?i=15-103

Biofuel consumption between 2003 and 2008 http://www.milieuennatuurcompendium.nl/indicatoren/nl0535-Biobrandstoffen.html?i=15-103