Overview
The government wants to stimulate more eco-friendly transport, for instance by improving the availability of alternative transport fuels.
Energy Agreement for Sustainable Growth
The government and 40 stakeholders have concluded an Energy Agreement for Sustainable Growth, which includes provisions on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The agreement also contains objectives for the mobility and transport sector. For instance, from 2035 all new cars sold must be zero-emission vehicles.
European agreements on eco-friendly transport
The European Union member states have made agreements on eco-friendly transport. By 2020, renewables must make up at least 10% of all fuel used for transport. The agreements are set out in the EU Renewable Energy Directive.
Central government stimulates use of alternative fuels
The government stimulates the use of the following alternative fuels:
- Biofuels
Biofuel is fuel made from plant material or organic waste.
- Green gas
Green gas is produced by fermenting or gasifying biomass. Biomass is made up of natural products, such as agricultural waste.
- Electric vehicles
Drivers of leased electric and hybrid cars are exempted from taxation on private use of lease cars.
- Non-fossil aviation fuel
The government also wants to make aviation more sustainable and supports research into biokerosene. The project is being carried out by SkyNRG, a public-private partnership.
- Hydrogen
To familiarise the Dutch public with hydrogen as a fuel, more hydrogen filling stations will be built.
Dutch climate policy is focused on:
Adapting to climate change. For instance, by taking measures to prevent flooding and protect freshwater supplies, agricultural production, the environment and health. The reinforcement of dikes also falls under adaptation. And cities, for example, can plant more trees and other vegetation to manage heat stress.
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions so the climate does not change so rapidly and radically. This can be done by switching from fossil fuels to sustainable energy sources, like solar and wind power.
Central government stimulates use of alternative fuels
The government stimulates the use of the following alternative fuels:
- Biofuels
Biofuel is fuel made from plant material or organic waste.
- Green gas
Green gas is produced by fermenting or gasifying biomass. Biomass is made up of natural products, such as agricultural waste.
- Electric vehicles
Drivers of leased electric and hybrid cars are exempted from taxation on private use of lease cars.
- Non-fossil aviation fuel
The government also wants to make aviation more sustainable and supports research into biokerosene. The project is being carried out by SkyNRG, a public-private partnership.
- Hydrogen
To familiarise the Dutch public with hydrogen as a fuel, more hydrogen filling stations will be built.
Other measures for eco-friendly transport
Besides policy on alternatives fuels, other measures promote eco-friendly transport too.
- New technologies for quieter transport
New technologies make cars and road surfaces quieter.
- Eco-friendly freight transport
The government is setting increasingly strict environmental requirements for lorries and delivery vans. Greater efficiency, for instance using longer and heavier lorries, reduces the burden on the environment.
- Eco-friendly ships
The government is working with the sector to make maritime shipping eco-friendly. From 2015, all new ships must be energy-efficient, emitting less CO2 and using less fuel.
- Sulphur-free gas oil
Since 2011, both maritime and inland vessels have been using sulphur-free gas oil.
- Tyre label
All new car tyres must come with a tyre label that provides information about, for instance, fuel efficiency and rolling noise.