Despite all the green energy projects, energy in the Netherlands is getting dirtier, more expensive and more unreliable, according to a report into energy provision in 2030 by the scientific think-tank Rathenau Institute.

The use of fossil fuels is not decreasing, as generally thought, but increasing, according to the researchers. In addition, fossil fuels are becoming more difficult to find with ecologically fragile areas like Alaska and the North Pole now being developed. This means a higher economic and environmental cost.
Unreliable
The Netherlands’ gas supplies will shrink quickly and by 2030 75% of fossil energy will have to be imported. This will make energy provision unreliable because the country will no longer have control over its supply.
Energy saving is having little effect, says the report. There is too much reliance on products such as energy saving light bulbs, where the savings made are too often spent on airplane travel or larger cars.
The solution is to stop hiding behind ‘energy myths’ and confront society with hard facts and painful choices. ‘Consumers much make sacrifices and accept they will have wind turbines in their back gardens,’ says the report