Climate and Energy

Finding solutions together
© Mischa Keijser

The Netherlands and Sweden work together to make a swift transition to clean energy and reach common climate goals. Our trade and innovation advisors inform stakeholders from both countries about the latest policies and technological developments.

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Clean Energy

A vital part in reaching our common climate goals is the transition to clean energy. In Sweden, almost 69% of the electricity mix in the grid already comes from renewable sources such as hydropower, wind and biomass. In the Netherlands, over one hundred stakeholders in society were involved in drafting the 2019 Climate Agreement. Implementation would result in at least 70% of electricity generated by renewables (mainly wind and solar) by 2030.

Both the Netherlands and Sweden are on the forefront of European initiatives to kick-start a hydrogen revolution and replace fossil fuels. The Netherlands is home to Europe’s first ‘hydrogen valley’ and offers unique solutions to large-scale transport of hydrogen. Sweden will soon be home to a major steel factory powered by the world’s largest green hydrogen plant.

Common Cimate Goals

Patrik Benrick of Port of Gothenburg explaining the concept of the green corridor during the program at Frihamnsdagarna (Aug 2023)
The climate crisis is one of the greatest global challenges of our time. With the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we agreed to leave no one behind, keep global warming in check and ensure countries can build climate resilience. This is why the climate agenda is a priority for the Dutch government. Science has made clear the world needs to set significantly higher ambitions to keep global warming within safe limits. The choices we make in the coming years will resonate for decades.

During the state visit to Sweden in October 2022, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima witnessed the signing of an MoU between the Ports of Gothenburg and Rotterdam on creating a green corridor. As a follow-up, the embassy organized a full-day program on sustainable maritime transport at Frihamsdagarna festival in Gothenburg in August 2023. With keynote speakers from the International Maritime Organization and the European Community Shipowners’ Associations plus participants from government, private sector and academia, we facilitated a dialogue on next steps in the maritime green transition.

Another key event for us is the annual Stockholm World Water Week, where challenges such as food security, access to clean water, biodiversity and the climate crisis are addressed. The embassy typically hosts a networking reception for key actors and stakeholders from the water sector.

Circular Economy

The world’s natural resources are finite and the world’s population is growing. We need to shift from a linear economy with a "take, make and dispose" model, to a Circular Economy (CE) in which we reuse raw materials and reduce waste. This also lessens our dependency on international supply chains. The Dutch government is working with industry, decentralized authorities and civil society to ensure that by 2050 the Dutch economy will run entirely on reusable materials. The Netherlands National Circular Program 2023-2030 describes ambitions, targets and measures needed. 

The transition to a circular economy covers many sectors and the Netherlands has published agendas on Biomass and Food, Plastics, Manufacturing, Construction and Consumer goods.

International cooperation and inspiration is key for a faster transition. The Netherlands is seen as a frontrunner in the Nordics and the embassy facilitates contacts between various stakeholders. One way of strengthening the connection with the circular economy community has been partnering up with Nordic Circular Hotspot.

Recently, the Dutch embassy network in the Nordics joined forces and organized a discussion on A Circular Urban Future where experts from the Netherlands and the Nordics discussed city development and shared circular urban planning best practices. .

The transition to a more circular society provides business opportunities for Dutch companies who provide new solutions and business models. The embassy-team connects interested companies with suitable partners and/or platforms for increased presence on the market.