Rising costs for the Dutch electricity network could put pressure on the competitiveness of the industry. This is what business organization VNO-NCW is warning about, based on a new report by research firm Aurora.
Network tariffs in the Netherlands are significantly higher than in other countries, according to the report, which was commissioned by energy-intensive companies such as Tata Steel, Shell, Nyrstar, BP, Sabic, and Chemelot. By comparison, large industrial consumers in Germany, Belgium, and France often pay up to 80 percent less.
This situation could threaten both the energy transition and the competitive position of the Netherlands. The report estimates that about 300 million euros are needed annually to bring grid tariffs for wholesale consumers to the same level as in surrounding countries. Starting in 2030, this required amount could even rise to more than 500 million euros per year.
The companies involved have called on Minister Sophie Hermans of Climate and Green Growth (VVD) to take action. In a letter to the minister, the collective stresses that it is essential for the Netherlands to keep pace with other European countries. The entrepreneurs’ organization also calls on the government to provide solutions. Think of extending the IKC scheme, a subsidy scheme for companies with high electricity costs, which is currently only valid for one year. In addition, VNO-NCW states that a collective investment in the electricity grid, similar to investments in infrastructure such as roads and railroads, could be a possible solution.
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