On March 4, 2026, the European Commission presented the Industrial Accelerator Act. With this plan, Brussels aims to grow the manufacturing industry to 20 percent of European GDP within ten years. For the bioeconomy and chemical sectors, the proposal includes concrete instruments to facilitate the transition to sustainable raw materials. Faster construction...
On November 27, the European Commission presented a new strategic framework intended to give the European bioeconomy a significant boost. The plan focuses on the large-scale replacement of fossil fuels with biological alternatives and the creation of a competitive and resilient European industry. The bioeconomy is already an economic engine; the sector…
The government will finalize its top sectors policy on January 1, 2026, and will opt for an industrial policy emphasizing six markets where the Netherlands can win globally. These include semiconductors, biotechnology, defense-related applications including 6G, radar, laser satellite communication, and quantum technologies, digital services with an emphasis on AI, mechanical engineering, and innovative chemistry. For the remaining business sector,...
The new House of Representatives is, at least on paper, ready to move forward with the energy transition. Analysis by the Dutch Sustainable Energy Association (NVDE) shows that at least two-thirds of the newly elected members want to maintain existing climate and energy goals. A significant portion even wants to go further and…
In early September, the European Commission once again explained why the bioeconomy is central to Europe's green and competitive future. In a short news item, the Directorate-General for Environment (DG-ENV) outlined the core in five points, emphasizing economic size, job potential, the innovation agenda, and its contribution to strategic autonomy. This news fits in…
The 2026 National Budget for Climate and Green Growth outlines how the government and funds intend to use bio-based raw materials and biomass. Biobased construction will be subject to standards and incentives, carbon removal will be included in an official certification framework, and a route for cleaner agricultural machinery with electrification or biogas will be established. All of this is linked to the broader deployment of…
Entrepreneurs who invest in sustainable energy will also have the opportunity to apply for a subsidy in 2026 via the SDE++ scheme. The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) has announced that the round will be reopened, with a budget of approximately eight billion euros. The goal remains the same: reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the energy transition…
Woody biomass from sustainably managed forests now complies with the latest EU directive Biomass from sustainably managed forests can now demonstrably comply with the latest European sustainability requirements. Certification organisation PEFC has adapted its standards to the revised Renewable Energy Directive (RED III). This makes it possible for wood suppliers and buyers of biomass to obtain a PEFC certificate for…
On 11 April 2025, the government presented its vision to make the Netherlands a global leader in biotechnological innovation and application by 2040. With targeted investments, low-regulation testbeds and a focus on social applications, the government wants to use biotechnology as a key technology for health, sustainability and economic growth. Biotechnology offers solutions for urgent social…
The European Bioeconomy Alliance (EUBA) launched its new video on 12 February 2025, highlighting the crucial role of the bioeconomy in the transition to a climate-neutral, circular and resilient Europe. EUBA represents key sectors within the bioeconomy, including agriculture, forestry, biotechnology, sugar, starch, vegetable oils, pulp and paper, bioplastics, renewable ethanol and…
At the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA) in Berlin, agriculture ministers from more than 70 countries unanimously expressed their support for a sustainable bioeconomy. Led by German Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir, the ministers expressed their ambition to strengthen the contribution of the bioeconomy to global food security, to preserve biodiversity and…
From residual flows to wind farms From 28 January 2025, entrepreneurs can once again submit applications for the Energy and Climate Innovation Demonstration (DEI+) subsidies. This year, the total budget has increased to €370 million, a significant increase compared to the €305 million in 2024. All ten themes within the scheme will be opened simultaneously, which immediately offers entrepreneurs the opportunity…
A broad coalition of more than 70 companies, industry associations, networks and NGOs has jointly called for creating market demand for clean industrial products in a letter to European Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra. This call is essential to secure the future of European industry and to promote sustainable growth. Without immediate action, investments in…
At the COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijan, Afke van Rijn, Director General Environment and International of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (IenW), announced that 233 parties have now joined the Dutch ambition for clean heavy road transport. This is almost double compared to last year. Among the new endorsers are major players such as Maersk and two new countries: Mozambique and Ethiopia.
Following the European Parliament elections in June, the new European Commission is now in the final stages of being formed. From 4 to 12 November, the commissioners-designate, formally presented by President Ursula von der Leyen, will be subject to hearings at the European Parliament in Brussels. Each candidate will have three hours of…
The European Commission has announced that the implementation of the EU’s new anti-deforestation law, the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), will be postponed by one year. On Wednesday 2 October, the Commission published additional guidance and a strengthened international cooperation framework to support stakeholders in their preparations for the regulation’s implementation. The EUDR, which…
The third iteration of the Renewable Energy Directive (REDIII) found its way onto the statute book last year, but the story doesn't end there; it's just the start of a new chapter. Member states now have until 21 May 2025 to implement the rules into national law. Some changes – such as the sustainability criteria in…
On July 10, the Scientific Climate Council (WKR) published its advice 'Clearing the air?'. The core of the report is that the Netherlands and Europe should not only focus on CO₂ reduction, but also on carbon removal. Biogenic CO₂ is mentioned as one of the techniques to achieve this. Deputy WKR director Heleen de Coninck said about it on BNN VARA: "That can be done, for example, by using biomass, and the CO₂ emissions from that consumption are then captured and stored deep underground". Several media picked up that message. On EénVandaag, viewers were explained how storage of short-cycle biogenic CO₂ contributes to combating climate change. With pictures!
The Schoof cabinet was sworn in this week. The new cabinet has appointed Sophie Hermans (VVD) as Prime Minister of Climate and Green Growth and also as Deputy Prime Minister. Hermans succeeds Rob Jetten, who fulfilled the role of Minister of Climate and Energy in the previous cabinet. In her new position, Hermans emphasizes her commitment to...
The outgoing cabinet does not intend to discourage the import of foreign woody biomass. A majority of the House of Representatives had requested this, but according to Minister Jetten, this goes against European and international trade rules. In the two-minute Climate and Energy debate of April 14, members Teunissen and Postma submitted a motion…
Bioenergy Europe warmly welcomes the European Commission's communication on the 2040 climate targets. A 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions is the right response to the ever-increasing threat of climate change and the bioenergy sector is ready to take a to go one step further and contribute to the realization...
The European Commission is mapping out the route to achieve the goal of making the European Union climate neutral by 2050. It recommends a net reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 90% by 2040 compared to 1990 levels, which is in line with recent scientific advice and the EU's obligations under the Agreement…
These will be different House of Representatives elections than usual, after the fall of the cabinet. The period to prepare for this is short, and that includes the entire summer holidays. In addition to the overview of StemWijzer and other election guides, we will keep you informed of developments and positions in the run-up, especially where…
Climate & Energy Election Debate can be followed online The NVDE, Netbeheer Nederland, Young Climate Movement, Nature & Environment, Greenpeace, Milieudefensie and Groene 11 are organizing the Climate & Energy Election Debate in Utrecht on November 7, in collaboration with TivoliVredenburg. Politicians from the SP, CDA, VVD, ChristenUnie, D66, PvdD, GL/PvdA, BBB and NSC will discuss with each other...
The House of Representatives elections will be held in the Netherlands within a month. A flash poll conducted by ASN Bank shows that sustainability is an important theme for as many as 4 in 10 voters when making their choice for a political party. It is striking, however, that only 1 in 5 voters indicates a good insight...
The climate goals for 2030 are within reach if the policy intentions are translated into strong laws and regulations and are implemented expeditiously, such as road pricing and making heat pumps mandatory. This is evident from the provisional Climate and Energy Outlook (KEV) that the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (PBL) published today on Budget Day. In one year, the 'CO2 policy gap' has increased significantly...
Even after the departure of Eurocommissioner Frans Timmermans, the European Green Deal remains the center of the European Commission's policy. EC President Ursula von der Leyen underlined this this week in her 'State of the Union' speech. Von der Leyen spoke of a 'boiling planet' that leads to extreme temperatures, droughts, storms and forest fires.…
In recent weeks, a number of political parties have shared their draft election manifestos. The NVDE has listed the relevant passages that touch on the climate and energy transition. The full analysis can be found here: Draft election manifestos K&E 2023. Climate and energy topics are clearly presented by all parties in the draft election manifestos. Some striking resolutions from…
The StemWijzer 2023 and other election guides for the 2023 House of Representatives elections will be updated after the holidays. In addition, you will also find an overview of the party programs here, if they are already known. These will be different House of Representatives elections than usual, after the fall of the cabinet. The period to prepare for this is…
In the run-up to the next parliamentary elections (November 22, 2023), the Royal Association of the Dutch Chemical Industry (VNCI) is providing politicians with a number of recommendations. They must contribute to a climate-neutral, circular, safe and sustainable society and economy. The industry wants to collaborate with the government in the field of materials transition. This concerns…
Together with a broad social coalition, we call on the House of Representatives not to let the climate approach come to a standstill. Simply because we will not achieve our climate goals, but certainly also because citizens, employees and companies need stable and predictable policy. The National Climate Platform sent the following letter to the…
The Netherlands wants to be climate neutral by 2050. This has major consequences for the future energy system. It changes how we generate, transport, store and use energy. And offers economic opportunities and room for new revenue models. In order to have a sustainable energy system in 2050, we must start planning and preparing for this now. The choices…
Groningen's economy is rapidly becoming greener and more sustainable. In Farmsum, the Verborg Group is building a new production company that will refine vegetable oils and fats on an industrial scale. The province awards a subsidy of € 2,4 million for this. Bio-raw materials De Verborg Group is an initiative of Borgesius Group in which intensive…
New coalition for a more competitive and ambitious bioeconomy in the EU A new group of 14 EU trade associations, including suppliers of high-quality wood-based products, fiber paper and cardboard products and packaging, and renewable energy solutions, supported by EU forest owners and administrators, has launched a cross-sector coalition. The coalition's aim is to provide EU policymakers with an ambitious…
Bioenergy Europe welcomes the publication of the Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA). However, they lament a lack of strategic vision for the bioenergy industry and net negative technologies such as bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS). The Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA) is part of the Green Deal Industrial Plan, which aims to boost the competitiveness of the European...
What on earth should you vote for in the Provincial Council elections of March 15? The Dutch Sustainable Energy Association is trying to get you a little closer to an answer with the Provincial Election Podcast Climate & Energy. NVDE chairman Olof van der Gaag will discuss energy and climate issues with provincial politicians from all provinces. In…
In recent years, the Netherlands has made little progress towards the transition to a fully circular economy in 2050. And the use of most raw materials has not decreased. This is the conclusion of the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (PBL) in the Integrated Circular Economy Report (ICER). How circular is the Netherlands? From the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), we analyzed…
Demand for biomass is only expected to grow in the coming years, whether for biomaterials or bioenergy, while there is only a limited amount of biomass that can be produced sustainably, says John Bell, pointing to a looming 'availability gap '. John Bell is director of 'Healthy Planet' at DG Research & Innovation of...
The German government is laying the foundation for sustainable use of biomass from forestry, agriculture and waste management. To this end, on October 6, the Ministry of Economy and Climate Protection, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of the Environment presented key points to ensure sustainable production and use of biomass in Germany that is consistent…
The way we currently deal with energy, raw materials and materials leads to climate change, loss of biodiversity and environmental problems. To solve these major sustainability challenges, the energy transition and the raw materials transition must be tackled together. That doesn't happen enough yet. The SER writes that in the exploration Balanced management of the raw materials transition and the energy transition...
The Netherlands has taken major steps towards a more sustainable energy system. At the same time, much more action is needed to achieve the climate goals: We are now heading for a 39 to 50 percent CO2 reduction in 2030, instead of the target of 60 percent. The Netherlands has thought itself rich for too long and postponed matters. 'The rose-colored glasses have to come off and...
On July 14, 2021, the European Commission presented a new climate package under the European Green Deal, which includes the Renewable Energy Directive (RED), the 2030 Forest Strategy and the 2030 EU Biodiversity Strategy. These new regulations have consequences for forests and the timber industry. In the past, sustainable forest management was…
Following its commitment to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, the EU is working tirelessly to respond to the climate crisis facing the entire world. In this context, the European Council and the European Parliament responded with enthusiasm to the European Commission's proposal to adopt the Renewable Energy Directive (REDIII), a fundamental instrument…
The province of Overijssel has resumed support for bioenergy. This is good news for the sector. But the support is not without conditions. The province keeps the advice of the SER in mind. This advised parties to use biomass as much as possible for high-quality applications. Only where there is no other option,…
By 2030, the energy mix in the European Union must consist of 40 percent renewable energy. This was agreed by the EU climate and energy ministers in Luxembourg. Minister Rob Jetten calls it a 'nice agreement', which must now be negotiated with the European Parliament. The EU wants to become as sustainable as possible in order to become climate neutral by 2050...
Minister Jetten (Climate and Energy) shares the conclusions of the Dutch Emissions Authority's research into the sustainability of bio-raw materials from Estonia intended for energy applications with the House of Representatives. Conclusion of report The conclusion of the research by the NEa states that the areas from the SOMO report can almost certainly not be related to bio raw materials that…
Governments must proactively develop policies to support and accelerate the development of a circular bioeconomy and strengthen research into this. This is stated by an international research group in a recent article in the journal Frontiers in Energy Research. The group presents a framework for a circular bioeconomy, which uses biomass not only for…
Trade-offs and considerations of different interests are unavoidable in order to achieve the Dutch climate goals. Rejecting several options such as CCS, biomass and nuclear energy makes climate goals unattainable. This is stated by Minister Rob Jetten for Climate and Energy in the government's appreciation of the latest reports from the UN climate panel. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) published in February…
Jessica Marcus, vice president, policy and operations, US Industrial Pellet Association, wrote an op-ed in biomassmagazine.com on the revision of EU biomass regulations. At a time when Europe needs as much affordable, sustainable and safe energy as possible, last week's vote by the European Parliament's ENVI Committee to restrict the use of…
The business community in the Central and West Brabant region is ready to make a significant contribution to making the Dutch economy more sustainable in the coming years. Plans are ready from 6 leading companies for, among other things, CO2 capture and utilization, electrification of production processes and the production of green hydrogen. Together, these projects can even lead to…
Bioenergy Europe welcomes the European Commission's long-awaited REPowerEU plan to gradually reduce Russia's dependence on fossil fuels. However, they regret that the plan still lacks the necessary vision to recognize sustainable bioenergy as one of the key solutions to increase the EU's energy security.…
Large-scale wood burning for energy is an acceptable option for European Commissioner Frans Timmermans to permanently phase out Russian fossil fuels. This is evident from a leaked Brussels draft proposal with measures to turn off President Vladimir Putin's gas tap as quickly as possible. This is what De Telegraaf writes, which claims to have proof. The…
The province of Overijssel wants to invest money again in biomass that involves burning wood. According to the provincial government, biomass is 'necessary for the energy transition and to realize the climate challenge'. The financial tap of the Overijssel Energy Fund must therefore be turned on again for certain applications of biomass. This mainly concerns heating applications, such as the heating of monumental buildings…
The Sustainable Energy Production and Climate Transition Incentive Scheme (SDE++) will be open for this year from 28 June. Due to the high CO2 price and the extra budget announced by the previous cabinet on Budget Day, an opening budget of € 13 billion is available. The scheme will be opened to a number of new categories, including hydrogen linked to a wind or…
Four biomass power stations in Overijssel are facing closure, and the same danger threatens more than three thousand livestock farms and other companies. This threatens to turn the legal nitrogen crisis into a nightmare for countless entrepreneurs. The province of Overijssel states that it has no other choice and is forced by the judge to take enforcement action.…
Innovative projects that lead to lower CO2 emissions are desperately needed to achieve the energy transition (transition to sustainable energy). Entrepreneurs sometimes encounter high start-up costs. The Renewable Energy Transition (HER+) subsidy can make the difference in allowing local projects to continue in that phase. The HER+ subsidy scheme is open until March 31...
Urgenda target for greenhouse gas emissions achieved in 2020. Emissions from coal-fired power stations have halved in 2020, as a result of a sharp decline in the use of coal. At the same time, the share of biomass in the energy sector has increased sharply (130 percent), according to figures from the Dutch Emissions Authority. The drop in emissions is partly due to corona.…
Answer from Minister Jetten (Climate and Energy), also on behalf of the State Secretary for Infrastructure and Water Management (received February 7, 2022) See also Appendix to Acts, meeting year 2021-2022, no. 1363 1 Do you share the opinion that it is unacceptable that the CO2 biomass emissions increased by 16 percent in 2020? [1] Answer Just as your Chamber looks…
Nature and nitrogen minister Christianne van der Wal (VVD) does not expect that nitrogen policy will have to be completely overhauled, now that the court in Zwolle has ruled that the policy of tolerance for small emitters to date is contrary to the law. She has confidence in the approach agreed in the coalition agreement. The judge has…
Today the four coalition parties present their coalition agreement. The core of the coalition agreement is: offering perspective by tackling the major issues of this decade. Such as the future of agriculture, the problems in the housing market and the undermining of the democratic constitutional state. And of course the approach to the climate issue. The coalition agreement includes…
This year, the national subsidy fund for sustainable energy projects will probably be largely claimed by projects for CO2 storage under the North Sea. But due to the high CO2 price, they currently do not need that subsidy at all, while other projects are falling by the wayside, experts tell NU.nl. This year, a total of 12 billion euros in subsidies were requested via...
State Secretary Yeşilgöz-Zegerius (EZK – Climate and Energy) answers questions about Indufor's research into biomass from Estonia, in response to the SOMO report. Member of Parliament Bontenbal (CDA) asked the questions. View the questions and answers here:
Greenhouse gas emissions in the Netherlands are expected to decrease by 38-48 percent in 2030 compared to 1990, based on the established and proposed policy. This means that the government's target of emitting 2030 percent less in 49 than in 1990 is not yet in sight. Recent plans, including from the Budget Memorandum, can contribute to further reduction...
State Secretary Yeşilgöz-Zegerius (EZK) sends the House of Representatives a response to the report 'Dutch Wood Pellet Imports – Is Dutch Biomass Burning Contributing to Forest Loss in Baltic States?'
State Secretary Yeşilgöz-Zegerius (EZK – Climate and Energy) answers questions about the origin of biomass. Members of Parliament Van Raan (PvdD) and Thijssen (PvdA) have asked these questions.
Tackling methane emissions from fossil fuels is key to combating near-term global warming. Governments and energy companies have a great opportunity to reduce methane emissions, which is the most impactful way to limit climate change in the short term, according to a new report from IEA that starts…
The 'Fit for 55' package that the European Commission presented last week includes a large number of energy and climate proposals to reduce emissions in the EU by 2030% by 55. Biomass plays a role in the energy mix. European Commissioner Frans Timmermans stated that this specifically concerns biomass from residual wood, where…
On Wednesday, the European Commission presented Frans Timmermans' ambitious plans to significantly reduce the EU's CO2 emissions. Expectations were high. Would the Commission abolish biomass burning? No, we now know. In the meantime, the question is also: how does the Commission deal with natural forests and forestry in the North of the EU?…
The European Union wants to become climate neutral. This remained just nice words for a long time, but it will become a lot more concrete with the climate package that the European Commission is presenting on Wednesday. Twelve special laws must ensure that European greenhouse gas emissions are at least 2030 percent below 55 levels by 1990. Giving away free emission allowances for…
In Sweden, a lot of natural forest is disappearing for planting. Industrial forestry is our business, says Sweden. But it is still on the agenda at the Green Deal consultation in Brussels tomorrow. Primeval forests as far as the eye can see, that is the image of Sweden. Symbol for a country that lives in harmony with nature. In reality…
Next week, 'all' eyes in Brussels and the surrounding area will be focused on Frans Timmermans, the Vice-President of the European Commission and responsible for climate policy. On Wednesday he will present a package of twelve bills to reduce average CO2 emissions in the EU by 2030 percent in 55 compared to 1990. To the appropriate…
Ed Nijpels, Chairman of the Climate Agreement Progress Consultation, wrote a letter to Rutte and Kaag about the use of bio-raw materials for heat. In a letter to Mrs Kaag and Mr Rutte (with copies to five ministers), Chairman Ed Nijpels, on behalf of the Climate Agreement Progress Consultation, outlined the consequences of the recent decision of the outgoing cabinet on subsidies...
Next week the European Commission will present new proposals for climate legislation. Just like in the Netherlands, biomass is now also causing heated discussion in Brussels. In Brussels, they are not likely to be surprised by a major lobbying offensive – certainly not with new environmental regulations. Whether it concerns car manufacturers, airlines, NGOs or civil society organizations: if a new bill...
