In 2025, greenhouse gas emissions were 0.8 percent higher than in 2024. This is mainly because the electricity sector emitted 22 percent more. However, the industry and mobility sectors emitted over 4 percent less greenhouse gases in 2025 than in 2024. This was reported by Statistics Netherlands (CBS) and RIVM/Emissions Registration based on provisional quarterly figures on greenhouse gas emissions according to IPCC guidelines.
Last year, greenhouse gas emissions were 36 percent lower than in 1990. The Climate Act stipulates that by 2030, greenhouse gas emissions must be 55 percent lower than in 1990. This corresponds to a reduction of 125 megatons of CO2 equivalent. Between 1990 and 2024, emissions decreased by an average of 2.4 megatons per year. In 2025, emissions were 1.2 megatons higher than in 2024. To meet the Climate Act target, emissions must decrease by an average of 8.7 megatons per year over the next five years.
Electricity
Mobility
Agriculture
Built environment
Land use (LULUCF)
Target 2030
Megaton CO2 equivalent
Electricity sector emissions higher
In 2025, the electricity sector emitted 22 percent more greenhouse gases than in 2024. Electricity production was higher. This is due to increased demand from abroad, especially from Germany and Belgium. The increase in Dutch electricity production from renewable sources was insufficient to meet this demand, resulting in more electricity produced from coal (+25 percent) and natural gas (+11 percent). To meet the sectors indicative residual emission target, emissions from the electricity sector must be halved between 2025 and 2030.
Less emissions from industry
The industry emitted 4.5 percent less greenhouse gases in 2025 than a year earlier. This is related to reduced consumption of natural gas and refinery gas, especially in the chemical industry. A one-third reduction in industry emissions is needed to meet the indicative sector target for 2030.
Decrease in emissions from mobility
Emissions from the mobility sector in 2025 were 4 percent lower than in 2024. This is partly due to the increase in electric passenger cars and a decrease in the number of petrol and diesel cars. To meet the indicative sector target for 2030, emissions must decrease by a quarter.
Other greenhouse gases
Target 2030
megaton CO2 equivalent
CBS also calculates CO2 emissions from all Dutch economic activities according to national accounts. Compared to emissions according to IPCC definitions, this includes CO2 emissions from international aviation and shipping and emissions from biomass combustion by individuals and companies belonging to the Dutch economy, but excludes emissions from land use. The message below presents CO2 emissions according to the national accounts calculation method.
CO2 emissions of the Dutch economy higher than in 2024
In 2025, CO2 emissions from all Dutch economic activities were 0.8 percent higher than in 2024. Gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 1.9 percent last year. It was colder in 2025 than in 2024. Corrected for weather effects, emissions remained virtually the same as in 2024.
The higher emissions of the Dutch economy are mainly related to increased consumption of coal and natural gas by energy companies. The energy, water, and waste management cluster emitted nearly 12 percent more CO2. The added value (the difference between production and consumption of energy, materials, and services) was nearly 3 percent higher.
In 2025, the transport sector emitted nearly 3 percent more CO2. This is due to higher fuel use in shipping and aviation, sectors not included in the IPCC calculation for the Netherlands. The added value of the transport sector was nearly 2 percent higher.
Emissions were lower in other sectors. The decrease in the mining, industry, and construction cluster is mainly due to less natural gas consumption in the chemical and petroleum industries. Emissions also decreased among households and other services. This is mainly due to lower diesel consumption, partly because of fewer diesel cars. The decrease coincided with an increase in the added value of the agriculture, mining, industry, and construction cluster and the service sector.
Added value of producers
GDP
% volume change compared to a year earlier
CO2 emission intensity of the Dutch economy nearly stable after 2023
Between 2015 and 2023, the CO2 intensity of the Dutch economy decreased by 32 percent. After 2023, emission intensity hardly decreased further. In 2025, the CO2 emission intensity of the economy was 34 percent lower than in 2015.
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