The upcoming elections promise to be exciting, not only politically, but especially for climate policy in the Netherlands. While the formation will undoubtedly revolve around purchasing power, migration, and security, an equally important issue lies beneath the surface: how do we proceed with our energy transition, and with biomass as a component of it?
At the Bioeconomy Platform and Biomass Facts, we are closely monitoring these developments. One thing is clear: biomass is and will remain an indispensable link in tomorrow's sustainable economy. It is one of the few renewable resources available today, usable for energy, chemicals, and materials, and capable of gradually replacing fossil fuels.
Yet, the election manifestos reveal fundamentally different views on this issue among political parties. The manifestos paint a clearly divided picture. Many parties acknowledge that biomass can play a role in the transition, but differ significantly in their ambition, utilization, and sustainability requirements.
For example, the PvdA/GroenLinks party wants to phase out existing biomass power plants and no longer allow new ones. They link this to a broader climate obligation for companies that receive subsidies. Their emphasis is clearly on reducing the energy use of biomass, while they are less specific about other routes, such as biobased materials or chemicals.
Other parties, such as the CDA and VVD, are taking a more pragmatic approach. They emphasize the need for a strong green industrial policy and see sustainable biomass as a potential raw material for the circular economy, provided it complies with EU regulations and national sustainability requirements.
The BBB focuses primarily on the built environment, where biomass could potentially play a role in sustainable heating, but doesn't mention applications for materials or chemicals. The PVV emphasizes affordable energy and lower taxes, with little attention to the climate or bio-based resources.
Economically, several parties see the opportunities of biomass: preserving strategic businesses, stimulating sustainable industries, and strengthening the circular economy. At the same time, their priorities differ significantly. While some focus on innovation and the sustainability of raw material chains, others emphasize cost control or national energy security.
Regarding sustainability, there is broad agreement that the use of biomass must meet strict criteria. However, the interpretation of this varies: for some, it's a reason to limit biomass use, while for others, it's a challenge to further enhance the sustainability and professionalization of the sector.
Support for bio-based applications is growing in the materials chain and chemistry. Many parties see a future in this area, but concrete implementation remains elusive. There's a risk that biomass will fall between the cracks in practice, recognized as important but insufficiently embedded in policy and instruments.
With such divergent viewpoints, it's inevitable that concessions will be made during the coalition formation process. And that's precisely where our concern lies. Because in the quest for political balance, the long-term vision for the climate and the bioeconomy is at risk of being lost.
We cannot afford to compromise on the climate. Biomass deserves a place in the new coalition agreement, not as a problem, but as part of the solution. Only with an integrated vision that utilizes biomass for energy, materials, and chemicals can we truly shape the circular and climate-neutral economy of the future.
The elections are therefore not only exciting because of the seat distribution, but especially because of the course the Netherlands is taking towards climate neutrality. I wish everyone much wisdom this week, and let's hope for a decisive cabinet that strengthens the economy and sees sustainability as an opportunity, not a challenge.
In any case, we are ready for it.
About the author
John Bouterse
Managing director Komercon BV and director of Platform Bio-Economie
John Bouterse is co-owner of Komercon BV, director of Platform Bio-Economy and member of various working groups that deal with various issues and policies regarding the use and sustainability of biomass. Based on his expertise, John works every day to give waste and biomass a new high-quality purpose and from this perspective he looks in these blogs at the special developments and possibilities that biomass offers and the challenges that come with it.
