NETHERLANDS: Economy Ministry opts for 100% renewable energy

“The decision has been made, although we don’t know the exact date,” a Ministry of Economic Affairs spokesperson told edie. “But it will be soon. We know that the electricity supplier can provide 100% renewable energy – we spoke with them before we announced the decision. Now, it’s just a matter of fine-tuning the contracts”.

The spokesperson said that although it could be a matter of weeks before the Ministry has 100% renewable energy, it is more likely that the changeover will take place early in 2000.

Many other Dutch ministries use some renewable electricity. In 1997, the Minister of Economic Affairs and the Minister for the Environment agreed that both their departments would use 20% renewable energy. “It’s not law, but in 1997 the Ministers of Economic Affairs and the Environment sent a communication to all other ministries about using renewable energy,” said the spokesperson.

The Netherlands has a Renewable Energy Action Programme with targets for renewable energies to represent 3% of the market by 2000 and 10% by 2020. Specific measures to encourage the growth of renewables includes amendments to the Electricity Act to allow for minimum share of renewable energy in the electricity supply to be mandated after 2000.

Eneco provides electricity to the Ministry of Economic Affairs.