Holland’s 20% target for renewable production by 2020 is unrealistic because it means an eight-fold increase on the present level. However, a 16% share could be achieved, says a report by the Dutch Energy Research Centre (ECN) and nuclear consultancy NRG.

The ECN also says that coal-fired power plants will see a revival in coming years – without them, the cost of energy in Europe will go up €150bn by 2050. The same goes for nuclear power: without it, energy will cost €70bn more.