The government wants 16% of the energy used in the Netherlands to come from sustainable sources by 2020 but this target is not a realistic option, according to employers’ organisation VNO-NCW.

The 16% limit is included in the current coalition agreement as part of a wider energy pact. Employers, ministers, unions and environmental groups are currently in talks on how the targets should be met.

However, broadcaster RTL news says it has seen documents from the VNO-NCW which show it has already dropped the target in favour of a lower figure of 14%. At the moment, just 4% of Dutch energy use comes from sustainable sources.

Economic affairs minister Henk Kamp told RTL news he is pressing ahead with the orginal aim and declined to react any further while the talks are ongoing. The VNO-NCW has also refused to comment.

The talks have a deadline of July 5.