CO2 Surge in Netherlands: Electricity Exports Drive Emissions Higher
CO2 emissions in the Netherlands increased in 2025, mainly due to higher electricity production for foreign demand, according to the annual report by the Netherlands Emissions Authority (NEa).
Large companies and institutions covered by the European Emissions Trading System (ETS) emitted around 72 million tonnes of CO2, marking a 2.3 percent rise compared to the previous year. This increase was largely driven by the energy sector, which saw emissions grow for the first time since 2015.
The rise is linked to growing electricity exports. Dutch energy companies generated more power for neighboring countries, where production faced setbacks. Nuclear maintenance in Belgium, reduced wind energy in Germany, and low water levels affecting hydropower in Austria and Switzerland all contributed to increased reliance on Dutch electricity.
More than half of the additional emissions came from coal-fired power plants, while the rest was mainly due to increased use of natural gas and industrial residual gases. The ETS system requires companies to buy emission allowances, encouraging them to reduce CO2 output over time.
Despite the overall increase, some sectors showed improvement. The chemical industry reduced emissions by 1.3 million tonnes, partly due to lower production at major industrial sites. High energy costs have continued to affect output across the sector.
Aviation emissions also declined, largely due to the increased use of biofuels, while shipping showed a slight decrease despite longer routes caused by geopolitical tensions. Authorities are still examining the reasons behind this unexpected trend.
However, the overall rise in emissions presents a challenge for the Netherlands’ climate targets. The Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (PBL) has already warned that the country is not on track to meet its goals, and the latest increase adds further pressure.
At the European level, emissions actually fell by 1.3 percent, highlighting a contrast where overall EU progress continues even as emissions rise within the Netherlands.