More than 300 Dutch energy transition projects ‘in danger zone’ over nitrogen rules

Grid operator Liander sounded the warning while speaking to Dutch broadcaster NOS.

In January this year, environmental group Greenpeace won a court case against the Dutch state in The Hague that obliges the government in the Netherlands to take more measures to combat the deposition of nitrogen in nature.

Heavy livestock farming combined with emissions from vehicles and industrial sources mean that the ground in the Netherlands is overloaded with nitrogen compounds.

A court in The Hague said it would impose a €10 million penalty if the Dutch state fails to meet nitrogen emissions targets by 2030, to be paid to Greenpeace.

But Hubert Baud, a director of Liander, warned that a lack of direction on nitrogen policy meant that 317 construction projects, such as laying cables, building transformer houses, and constructing substations could be delayed or even cancelled due to a lack of nitrogen permits.

Liander said the situation resulted in the energy transition, which could lead to lower nitrogen emissions, is being slowed down. “The transition to electrification directly contributes to the prevention of nitrogen emissions, such as charging electric cars,” is said.

Baud called for clarity from The Hague and an exception for construction projects that reinforce the power grid.