IEA Bioenergy has published a report on the implementation of bioenergy in the Netherlands. This report is based on data from the World Energy Balances and Renewables Information 2024 of the International Energy Agency (IEA) and includes additional information from the IEA Bioenergy Executive Committee, national experts and sources such as FAOstat and Eurostat.
The report provides an in-depth insight into the role of bioenergy in the Netherlands, from the current state of affairs to key trends and policy developments. Specific attention is paid to the challenges of a densely populated country with limited biomass and high energy demand, as well as the opportunities that biomass offers in the transition to a sustainable energy supply. The content has been approved by national representatives and serves as a guideline for policymakers and stakeholders.
The key points from the report are:
- Renewable energy in 2022: Renewable sources accounted for 12,7% of the total energy supply in the Netherlands, while the share in final consumption was 15,6%. Biomass supplied approximately 45% of renewable energy.
- Limited domestic biomass: The Netherlands has limited biomass of its own. A large part of the required raw materials comes from residues, waste and import. The dependency on import varies greatly: 0% for biogas, 12% for waste and 36% for solid biofuels.
- Decrease in natural gas use: Natural gas played a dominant role in the Dutch energy supply for a long time, but its use has fallen sharply since 2021 due to the growth of wind and solar energy, the gas crisis of 2022 and the reduction of domestic gas production. In 2021, the Netherlands was already 50% dependent on gas imports.
- Bioenergy in transport: Biofuels play an important role in greening transport. Biodiesel accounted for 2022% of diesel consumption in 6,2, while bioethanol accounted for 6,4% of gasoline consumption. Biofuels are seen as a temporary solution, pending more sustainable alternatives.
- Changes in biomass policy: Since 2020, the Netherlands has been implementing a cascading policy that prioritizes the use of biomass for high-value applications, such as chemical raw materials and materials. The use of biomass for heat and electricity is being phased out.
- Green gas and CCS: From 2025, there will be an obligation to blend green gas into the built environment, increasing to 1,6 billion m³ in 2030. In addition, since 2024, subsidies have been available for projects with BECCS (bioenergy combined with CO₂ storage).
- Future perspective: Biomass continues to play an important role in the energy transition, particularly in sectors such as shipping and aviation, where biofuels are seen as a transition fuel. At the same time, the government is working on legislation that stimulates an integrated and sustainable use of bio-resources.
This update highlights how the Netherlands is taking steps towards a more sustainable energy supply by deploying bioenergy and biomass more efficiently and strategically, while further reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
