Dutch are on target to hit carbon dioxide cut targets: report

Carbon dioxide emissions in the Netherlands are on target to be cut by 23% in 2020, compared with 1990, Trouw said on Wednesday.

The figures, showing a marked improvement on the previous estimate of 19% are contained in a new report on national energy usage which is due to be presented to ministers on Friday.

However, sources in The Hague told the paper the revised figures are due at least in part to new ways of calculating the drop, rather than the impact of extra measures to cut greenhouse gases.

Economic affairs minister Henk Kamp is due to explain the new system to ministers at Friday’s cabinet meeting, the paper says.

The government is committed to a 25% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2020.

The 2013 energy agreement signed by ministers, the private sector and lobby groups, includes the closure of five older coal-fired power stations.

Ministers are also looking at closing two newer power stations, which would lead to a further decrease in emissions, the paper said.