Report • Climate protection
A green course for the Netherlands: from solar power to Agriculture 5.0
The world is changing, resources are running out, and the average global temperature continues to rise. That is why the Netherlands has chosen a clear direction: a transition to clean, renewable energy sources and a more sustainable food system. This report outlines the situation in 2026 and the development toward the 2030 goals.
Global warming and the Dutch context
Since the start of the industrial era, the average temperature in Western Europe has risen by about 1.7 °C. For a low-lying country like the Netherlands, this means a direct challenge: more extreme weather, drier summers and increased pressure on flood defences. Protecting our coast, polders and cities requires long-term planning and continued investment in knowledge.
The national Climate Agreement and the Energy System Plan 2050 set a clear framework: a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions of at least 55% by 2030, compared with 1990. Dutch energy companies and municipalities are working together on a fair transition that places households, small businesses and nature at the centre.
The role of the Netherlands in renewable energy
The Netherlands is one of the European front-runners in deploying solar power on rooftops and in agrivoltaic systems. At the same time, a new offshore wind network is being built in the North Sea, expected to deliver about 21 GW of capacity by 2031. The combination of offshore wind, solar on land and green hydrogen creates a diverse and resilient energy system.
Local energy communities, schools and neighbourhood associations play an essential role. They translate technology into everyday life: from saving energy in older homes to sharing solar power within a street. Educating a new generation of engineers and skilled workers is essential for the continued protection of our living environment.
Agriculture 5.0: the future of the Dutch countryside
Agriculture 5.0 connects traditional knowledge with sensors, circular farming and the restoration of biodiversity. Farmers in Friesland, Brabant and the Flevopolder are experimenting with strip cropping, precision irrigation and agroforestry. The result: healthier soils, lower water use and stronger landscapes.
The future of our food is not only technological, it is also social. Short supply chains, fair prices for farmers and transparent food origins all contribute to a strong and resilient Netherlands. Protecting nature and developing the countryside go hand in hand.
A shared responsibility
The transition to a green Netherlands is not the project of a single ministry or a single generation. It is a shared responsibility of citizens, education, science and government. With clear goals, honest information and continued attention to people and the environment, the Netherlands can remain a country where clean energy and a healthy living environment come together.