Steps needed for implementation of blending obligation 2026
On January 16, 2025, the Dutch governmental committee debate on Hydrogen, green gas and other energy carriers took place. The debate discussed the steps and obstacles in the transition to sustainable energy carriers. Ruud Paap, green gas expert at New Energy Coalition, followed the debate and explains the policy developments surrounding green gas.
The debate on green gas focused primarily on the blending requirement for the ETS2 sector. Several members of parliament emphasized that the government must pay attention to fair cost sharing and the affordability of this measure. Initially, the additional costs are estimated at a maximum of €0,04 per Nm³, but by 2030, they could rise to €0,14 per Nm³.
Horticulture sector advocates exception to blending obligation
The horticulture sector received considerable attention during the debate. This sector previously signed an agreement with the government and indicates it is well on track to achieve the agreed goals. According to the sector, additional measures are therefore unnecessary and would only increase the burden unnecessarily. Therefore, the greenhouse horticulture sector is advocating for an exception to the green gas blending requirements.
However, Minister Hermans is not entirely convinced that the sector will meet the targets, basing her assertion on recent research from the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (PBL). Furthermore, the Netherlands Emissions Authority (NeA), responsible for enforcing the blending requirements, indicates that an exception for greenhouse horticulture is unfeasible. According to the NeA, this would lead to an unenforceable situation.
Some Members of Parliament are advocating for a blending requirement that includes greenhouse horticulture, but with an exceptional position or compensation, for example through energy tax.
Green gas from manure as a solution for CO₂ reduction
Green gas from manure offers significant potential for CO₂ reduction, a topic that several members of parliament explored in more detail during the debate. They also asked whether the minister plans to designate specific acceleration areas for manure digestion.
Uncertainty about the introduction of a blending obligation in 2026
Several members of parliament are expressing doubts about the feasibility of producing 2 billion Nm³ of green gas in the Netherlands by 2030. They point out that it is now 2025 and that it is uncertain whether the blending obligation can be implemented as early as 2026. They also want more clarity about the duration of this obligation.
Response from Minister Hermans
Minister Hermans of Climate and Green Growth indicates that approval from the European Commission is required and that the blending requirement is currently aimed at 1,1 billion cubic meters of green gas by 2030. She acknowledges that exceptions for greenhouse horticulture are practically impossible, but that consultations are underway regarding compensation and feasible measures. Both matters must be clarified before the bill can be submitted to Parliament. The minister continues to aim for implementation by January 1, 2026.
Until 2030, the focus will be on the built environment, including research into acceleration areas and manure digestion. After 2030, new goals and agreements will be explored. In the explanatory memorandum (supporting a bill), the Minister promises a projection for the growth of green gas from 1,1 billion to 2 billion cubic meters after 2030, including the sectors in which it can be applied.
The ministry has already arranged many matters for the blending obligation, but several crucial steps still need to be taken to ensure the obligation can take effect on January 1, 2026. For example, Brussels still needs to approve the plans, and the cabinet needs to reach an agreement on the position of the greenhouse horticulture sector. Furthermore, the Council of State's advisory opinion still needs to be issued and processed. Meanwhile, 2026 is fast approaching, and it remains uncertain whether everything will be arranged in time.
- Ruud Paap, Green Gas Expert at New Energy Coalition
Hydrogen
The future of hydrogen was also discussed during the committee debate. Read what Geerte de Jong, hydrogen chain expert at New Energy Coalition, was noticeable during the debate.
