Amsterdam coal-fired power plant to close four years early

The coal fired power station in Amsterdam’s port area will be closed next year, rather than in 2024 as planned, broadcaster RTL said on Thursday.

Political sources told RTL that the measure will be approved at Friday’s cabinet meeting. Ministers are being forced to take steps to reduce carbon dioxide emissions following last year’s Urgenda court case.

Last October appeal court judges ordered the Dutch state to step up efforts to cut CO2 emissions in a case brought by campaign group Urgenda.

Current forecasts say the Netherlands is on course to reduce CO2 emissions by only 23% of 1990 levels by 2020, rather than 25%. Closing the Netherlands five coal-fired power stations would be a quick win to help reach the target.

Owner Nuon said earlier it did not have objections to an earlier closure if the government helps fund dismantling the plant and putting together a redundancy package for the workforce.

The financial details will be published in the government’s spring financial statement.