Methane reduction has priority in Rutte III

The coalition agreement of the Rutte III cabinet, presented today, Tuesday 10 October, states that methane emissions must be reduced. In terms of emission reduction, the new cabinet will sail closer to the wind than prescribed by the European Union.

The new cabinet sees it as a duty to follow the climate agreement. This agreement states that a temperature increase may not exceed 1,5 degrees Celsius. To comply with this, the European Union aims for a 40% reduction in greenhouse gases by 2030. The new cabinet is raising the bar above the guidelines from Brussels and is aiming for a halving (49%).

Reduction in agriculture
In total, the new cabinet wants to achieve a reduction of around 2030 million tons of greenhouse gas by 55, of which 3,5 million tons from agriculture. Among other things, by reducing methane emissions (1 million tons), smarter land use (1,5 million tons) and using the greenhouse as an energy source (1 million tons). Technical measures, such as manure processing and food mix, are preferable to volume-limiting measures. 

Extra solar energy and biofuels are stimulating measures that the government has in mind. The agreements will be anchored in a new climate and energy agreement.  

Budget of €4 billion 
The new cabinet is also aiming for extra wind at sea, electric cars and climate-neutral construction. In addition, the coal-fired power stations must be closed by 2030 at the latest. The Rutte III cabinet does say that the measures should under no circumstances harm the Dutch competitive position. On balance, the government is making almost €4 billion available for climate and energy transitions.

View the other messages about the coalition agreement here.

Wouter Job

Wouter Baan is Head of Meat & Dairy at BoerenbusinessAt DCA Market Intelligence, he focuses on dairy, pork, and meat markets. He also monitors (business) developments within agribusiness and interviews CEOs and policymakers.

w.baan@boerenbusiness. Nl

© DCA Market Intelligence. This market information is subject to copyright. It is not permitted to reproduce, distribute, disseminate or make the content available to third parties for compensation, in any form, without the express written permission of DCA Market Intelligence.