CO2 reduction strategies for the Northern Netherlands

The concern about global warming initiated ambitious CO2 reduction goals in cities and regions in the Netherlands. This article describes a study of such a local initiative for the Northern Netherlands. The research aimed to develop CO2 reduction scenarios for 2035 with national and international politics, and regional goals and opportunities being integrated. The scenarios were calculated using a bottom-up model. Four scenarios were developed with a defined goal of a 50% CO2 reduction on the starting year (2000). The four scenarios were developed along two axes: centralized versus decentralized energy supply systems, and international climate policy versus a European-oriented energy policy. Primary energy consumption varied between 273 and 443PJ. Although 50% CO2 reduction is possible in all scenarios, an enormous effort would be required to reach this goal. Depending on the scenario: an almost 50% reduction of the primary energy demand, the installation of 4 GW of offshore wind or the shift to a bio based economy is needed.