The Netherlands commits to shifting towards electric propulsion and alternative fuels in transport sectors. In 2014, the government of the Netherlands, together with all relevant stakeholders, from the private sector, civil society organisations and knowledge institutes created a Vision and accompanying Action Plan on a sustainable fuel mix for the future. These documents explain which fuels can best be used to power aircraft, ships, trains and road vehicles. Electric motors will be combined with sustainable biofuels and renewable gas as a transitional option and a long-term solution for heavy transport. Both avenues will be supported by continual efforts to improve efficiency. For the shipping sector, the Netherlands is committed to implementing efficiency measures in combination with a transition to LNG and use of sustainable biofuels for short-sea and inland shipping. In the aviation sector, improvements in efficiency are being made by means of innovative aircraft technology, operations and infrastructure, as well as continued development and application of sustainable biokerosene sourcing, production and distribution. For the rail sector, the Netherlands is dedicated to expanding the use of sustainable electricity, as well as replacing diesel trains with LNG- and bio-LNG-powered trains (depending on technical and economic feasibility). The commitment will provide several economic, environmental and social sustainability benefits including improved air quality, resource efficiency, and reduction of noise pollution, increased food security and political stability.
The commitment falls under focus area 5 of the Batumi Initiative to develop clean physical capital for sustainable production patterns.
Implementing partners will include the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment and Ministry of Economic Affairs in collaboration with more than 100 stakeholders and organisations under the remit of the Social Economic’s Council Energy Agreement. Other parties will provide input for the vision, including the private sector, civil society organisations and knowledge institutions.
The commitment is relevant to SDGs 7 and 13.