In order to meet the 2030 climate targets, the Netherlands must emit less CO2. For this reason, on December 22, 2021, the Dutch cabinet restricted emissions from coal-fired power stations by limiting their operations to no more than 35% of their maximum capacity. The government estimates it will result in a reduction in CO2 emissions at coal-fired power stations of approximately 6-7 megatons "in the short term". The amendment to the Coal Act came into effect on 1 January, 2022 and will apply until the end of 2024.
This law implements rules relating to the generation of electricity using coal, in order to organise an effective coal phase out by 2030. Article 2 states that it is prohibited to generate electricity in a production installation using coal. Coal-fired power plants do not have to close down. Instead, they are allowed to switch to other, cleaner fuels to generate electricity, such as biomass, biofuels, and hydrogen. The ban applies to all 4 coal-fired power plants in the Netherlands, but the transition period differs.
- The Amer power plant in Geertruidenberg is subject to the ban from 1 January, 2025. This power plant is more polluting than the 3 other modern power plants, as it produces less electricity with the same amount of coal and thus has a lower output. At the same time, this coal-fired power plant already runs largely on biomass.
- For the other three, more modern power plants at Eemshaven and Maasvlakte, the ban applies from 1 January, 2030.
