The complex changes with which the energy sector is now being faced result in an increasing demand for such studies. The energy supply in the Netherlands, and other countries as well, is undergoing radical changes.
Sustainable development is one important trend in the energy sector.
The other recurrent theme is that of the liberalisation of the energy market. These two driving forces in the change processes do not necessarily act in the same direction. The resulting problems reinforce the demand for policy support studies. For ECN-Policy Studies the energy and environmental policy at the national level is important, but at the same time the local governments form an important target group as well.