In cooperation with RIVM, an option document was prepared for the Ministry of Housing, Spatial Development and Environment in which all possible measures are surveyed to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases. The document supports the selection of a package of policy measures in the White Paper on Climate Policy Implementation. The options involve all sectors and all greenhouse gases. The study also deals with the cost-effectiveness of each measure, but emphasises that this criterion should be used in relation to considerations such as the availability of policy instruments, social support and other environmental objectives. If the distribution of emission reduction within the EU was based on criteria such as equal reduction costs per unit Gross National Product, the Netherlands would have much lower costs compared to the present distribution code.
Savings play a major role in the Dutch energy policy.
In this context ECN developed a monitoring instrument which, by using statistical data on energy consumption, compares the savings actually achieved with the objectives. The complex problems of definition that play a role here were mapped out, as were the great uncertainties and questions of interpretation which remain with the currently available statistical material. Furthermore, a contribution was made to the preparation of the Policy Document on Energy Saving. To this end an analysis was made of the energy demand in the two regions, the development of the European gas market, and the supply options that lend themselves for trade promotion. The study marks a first step towards embedding energy issues systematically into the policy consultations between the two parties.