Important steps needed to implement 2026 blending requirement
The committee debate Hydrogen, green gas and other energy carriers took place on 16 January 2025. The debate discussed the steps and obstacles in the transition to sustainable energy carriers. Ruud Paap, green gas expert at New Energy Coalition, followed the debate to interpret the policy developments around green gas.
The green gas debate focused mainly on the blending requirement for the ETS2 sector. Several MPs stressed that the government should pay attention to a fair distribution of costs and the affordability of this measure. In the initial phase, additional costs are estimated at a maximum of €0.04 per Nm³, but by 2030 they could rise to €0.14 per Nm³.
Glasshouse horticulture pleads for exception to blending requirement
There was a lot of focus on greenhouse horticulture during the debate. This sector has previously signed a covenant with the government and says it is well on track to meet the agreed targets. According to the sector, additional measures are therefore unnecessary and only add to the burden. Greenhouse horticulture therefore argues for an exception to the blending requirement.
However, Minister Hermans is not fully convinced that the sector will meet the targets, basing his arguments on recent research by the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency. In addition, the Dutch Emissions Authority (NeA), which is responsible for enforcing the blending requirement, indicates that an exception for greenhouse horticulture is impracticable. According to the NeA, this would lead to a situation that is unenforceable.
Some MPs argue for a blending requirement that includes greenhouse horticulture, but with an exception or compensation, for instance through the energy tax.
Green gas from manure as solution for CO₂ reduction
Green gas from manure offers significant potential for CO₂ reduction, a topic that some MPs elaborated on during the debate. They also asked whether the minister plans to designate specific acceleration areas for manure fermentation.
Uncertainty over introduction of blending requirement in 2026
Some MPs express doubts about the feasibility of producing 2 billion Nm³ of green gas in the Netherlands by 2030. They point out that it is now 2025 and that it is uncertain whether the blending requirement can be introduced as early as 2026. In addition, they want more clarity on the duration of this obligation.
Response by Minster Hermans
Minister Hermans of Climate and Green Growth says that approval from the European Commission is needed and that the blending requirement provisionally targets 1.1 billion cubic metres of green gas by 2030. She acknowledges that exceptions for greenhouse horticulture are practically unfeasible, but that consultations are taking place on compensation and feasible measures. Both issues must be clear before the bill can be sent to Parliament. The minister continues to aim for implementation by 1 January 2026.
Until 2030, the focus is on the built environment, along with research into acceleration areas and manure fermentation. After 2030, new targets and agreements will be explored. In the explanatory memorandum (underpinning a bill), the minister promises a look ahead to the growth of green gas from 1.1 billion to 2 billion cubic metres after 2030, including the sectors in which it can be applied.
The ministry has already arranged many things for the blending obligation, but a number of crucial steps still need to be taken to ensure that the obligation can take effect on 1 January 2026. For instance, Brussels still has to agree to the plans and the cabinet has to come to an agreement on the position of Glasshouse Horticulture. In addition, the advice of the Council of State has yet to be issued and processed. Meanwhile, 2026 is fast approaching, and it is still uncertain whether everything will be settled in time.
- Ruud Paap, Expert Green Gas
