In 2024, the use of renewable energy in the Dutch transport sector increased significantly. The latest report from the Emissions Authority shows that companies collectively supplied 107 million gigajoules of sustainable energy, representing a CO₂ reduction of 4,5 megatons. This is almost forty percent more than the previous year. However, the total increase fell slightly short of the government's expectations, which had anticipated an additional twenty petajoules. The total figure remained at fifteen.
The increase is a direct result of stricter regulations. The requirement for fuel suppliers to blend a share of renewable energy increased to 28,4 percent. At the same time, meeting this requirement with biofuel for maritime shipping became less attractive. Since 2024, these deliveries have only counted for 40 percent of the system. Consequently, the market shifted its focus to road transport.
The effects of this are clearly visible. In 2023, 64 percent of all renewable fuel was supplied to road transport, rising to 2024 percent by 80. At the same time, the share for maritime transport decreased from 28 to 7 percent. Aviation, on the other hand, took off, growing from 8 to 12 percent. New European regulations, such as ReFuelEU, and tax benefits through the ETS system play a role in this.
The shift in fuel types is particularly striking. HVO, a synthetic diesel that blends better than traditional biodiesel, saw explosive growth. Its share rose from 17 percent in 2023 to 41 percent in 2024. This was primarily at the expense of FAME, the traditional biodiesel that is only permitted for limited blending. HVO utilizes waste streams such as palm oil wastewater, which, due to its composition, yields more HBEs within the system.
The raw materials come largely from Asia. Indonesia was the largest supplier in 2024, accounting for 26 percent of all biomass used, followed by China and Malaysia. It's striking that the Netherlands itself supplied only 4 percent of the raw materials, entirely derived from waste streams. Biofuels based on palm oil or soy were not used, in accordance with the Climate Agreement.
While the system appears to be working efficiently, there are also concerns. Biofuel supply chains are global and complex. Waste streams from countries like Indonesia or China are more difficult to monitor. This jeopardizes the reliability of certificates and inspections. The Emissions Authority therefore advocates for greater international cooperation and improved information for regulators.
Despite these challenges, the report shows that policy measures are having an impact. More companies than ever before, including electricity suppliers, have purchased sustainable fuels. Electric transport grew by 70 percent and now represents nearly 6 percent of renewable energy in the sector.
Starting in 2026, the system will change again. Then, HBEs will be phased out, and rewards will be based on the actual CO₂ reduction per kilogram. This requires new calculation methods and stricter oversight, especially since the supply chains are often located outside the Netherlands. For now, the goal is clear: less fossil fuels, more sustainability, and a more reliable system for renewable mobility.
