Dutch climate council warns keeping coal plants open longer would be “very unwise”
The Dutch government would make a “very unwise” and “very worrying” decision if it extends the operation of coal-fired power plants due to the war in Iran, the Scientific Climate Council (WKR) warned, as global energy pressures revive debate over coal use.
In response to questions, WKR Chair Jan-Willem Erisman said the Netherlands is legally required to close all coal plants by 2030. “To extend this now would be a very worrying choice,” he told Trouw.
The renewed discussion follows the war in Iran, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and rising gas prices, which have pushed several countries to reconsider coal. Italy has extended the lifespan of its coal plants by 13 years to 2038. Germany is considering increasing coal use, and Japan has restarted older facilities.
In the Netherlands, the Topsector Energie has suggested it may be wise to keep coal plants available as backup capacity. CDA parliamentary leader Henri Bontenbal also defended coal use in parliament, saying: “It may be heresy, but switching to coal plants can of course somewhat reduce gas demand.” His remarks are expected to create tension within the governing coalition, as Prime Minister Rob Jetten has consistently advocated closing coal plants.
The WKR said extending coal use would undermine climate policy on several fronts. The Netherlands is already far from meeting its emissions targets, and coal plants account for about 7 percent of national emissions. “Coal plants account for about 7 percent of our emissions, so you prolong that as well,” Erisman said.
Keeping coal plants open would also slow investment in renewable innovations, such as large-scale batteries to store wind energy. “It costs money to keep coal plants open; invest that in this kind of important technology,” Erisman said.
He also stressed the need for consistent climate policy, arguing that frequent shifts in direction have weakened effectiveness in recent years. Additionally, the Netherlands already has sufficient base capacity from gas-fired power plants to supply electricity when wind and solar output is low. “Keeping coal plants open longer is simply not necessary,” he said.
Energy companies themselves are not pushing for extended coal use. RWE and Uniper have said coal has no future and instead propose converting their plants to run on biomass, burning wood pellets while capturing CO2 emissions and storing them under the North Sea.
They are seeking government support for this transition, including extending subsidies for biomass beyond 2027 and funding for carbon capture installations.
The WKR said the viability of biomass depends on the government’s broader energy strategy. Erisman noted potential benefits, as biomass can create “negative emissions” if CO2 is captured and stored, since the organic material originally absorbed carbon from the atmosphere.
However, he also raised concerns about sourcing biomass and preventing deforestation elsewhere. “Where will you get all that biomass, and how do you prevent forests from being cut down elsewhere in the world?” he said. He added that other European countries with large forestry sectors may be better suited for such energy production.
Public opposition remains a major obstacle. Last year, a majority in the Dutch parliament voted against any support for biomass plants, casting doubt on whether sufficient backing can be secured.
The WKR emphasized that the priority is a clear long-term energy plan outlining how the Netherlands will meet demand in 2030 and beyond, including during periods without wind or sunlight. “Is that nuclear energy, gas plants, batteries?” Erisman said. If the country develops these alternatives, both coal and biomass plants may become unnecessary, he added.
Climate and Green Growth Minister Stientje van Veldhoven is currently working on such a plan but declined to comment on whether coal plants should remain open or be converted to biomass.
