News Energy
The Netherlands emits less greenhouse gas
Greenhouse gas emissions in the Netherlands have decreased in 2020 compared to 2019. This is apparent from an initial estimate by Statistics Netherlands and RIVM. In total, 166 megatonnes of CO2-equivalent less went into the air. That is 8% less compared to 2019.
According to the provisional estimate, the reduction compared to 1990 is 24,5%. This is close to the Urgenda target of 25% reduction over the period 1990 to 2020. Greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture also decreased slightly last year. The largest part of CO2 emissions in this sector is accounted for by natural gas that is used in combined heat and power installations. This produces electricity and heat. The CO2 is (partly) used as fertilizer in the greenhouses. However, the most greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture are not CO2, but other gases such as methane and nitrous oxide.
Coal-fired power stations out of operation
The largest decrease in CO2 emissions is the electricity sector. Several coal-fired power stations were shut down last year due to maintenance or malfunctions. The high coal price and expensive CO2 emission rights also caused a shift to gas-fired power stations. In addition, more solar and wind energy has come onto the market. CBS mentions the corona crisis as the last reason. As a result, the total electricity demand decreased. Both in the Netherlands and in neighboring countries. 
Jurphaas Lugtenburg
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