According to Statistics Netherlands, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the Netherlands rose by 5% in 2015 to 196 MtCO2eq, due to a much higher coal-fired generation during the year.
Three large coal-fired power plants were commissioned in 2015 (two 777 MW units at Eemshaven by RWE and a 731 MW unit at Rotterdam by Engie) and cheap coal prices have triggered a higher consumption of coal in the power sector (from 19% of the power mix in 2010 to 35% in 2015), while the share of less-emitting gas generation in the power mix eroded by 1/3, from 62% in 2010 to 42% in 2015.
Overall, GHG emissions were 12% below their 1990 level in 2015 (+2% above their 1990 level for CO2 emissions, at 167 Mt). The Netherlands has set a target to cut its GHG emissions by at least 25% compared to 1990 levels by 2020.
Where emission intensity (emissions per unit of GDP) is concerned, the Netherlands succeeded in reducing its CO2 intensity by 30% between 1990 and 2015 (60% growth in GDP over the 25-year period and slight increase in CO2 emissions) and its total GHG intensity by 40%.
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