The incoming Dutch government has announced plans to reduce the country’s dependence on “unreliable countries” by expanding offshore natural gas extraction and nuclear energy production, according to Reuters.
The draft coalition pact, presented by the right-wing government on Thursday, said that the Netherlands will adhere to international climate goals but will not impose additional national restrictions.
The government aims to secure long-term contracts for natural gas and build reserves of gas and critical commodities. While the large gas field under the Dutch province of Groningen will remain closed, gas production in the North Sea will be increased. The country’s plans to expand offshore wind appear to be unchanged, while the construction of new wind turbines on land will be de-emphasized.
The government also reaffirmed its commitment to increasing nuclear energy production in the Netherlands. The nuclear reactor in Borssele will remain open, and the construction of two new reactors will continue. Additionally, two more nuclear reactors are planned to be built, with the possibility of further multiple small reactors in public-private partnerships.
These plans reflect the difficulties the Netherlands faced after losing access to Russian gas following the start of the Ukraine war in 2022 and align with the conservative and populist themes of the four political parties in the prospective government.
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