Closing coal-fired power plants an important signal for Climate Change Conference Paris According to recent research by the European Environment Agency in Copenhagen, the Netherlands is the worst-performing country in Europe in terms of climate and energy policy. The Netherlands is at the bottom of the list in terms of renewable energy production, greenhouse gas emissions and primary energy consumption. The court has rapped the Dutch Government on the knuckles due to its negligence regarding climate change policies and has demanded that by 2020, the Netherlands reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 25% as compared to 1990. According to the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency and the Energy research Centre of the Netherlands (ECN), this will require a significant strengthening of its policy. With the major climate change conference in Paris in sight, and chased through the courts, it is high time for the Netherlands to finally give a clear signal towards a sustainable future. The most effective measure that the Netherlands can take is to close all 11 of its coal-fired power plants. Not only should the old plants from the 1980’s be closed, but the newer plants as well, including the three brought into operation just this year. The ECN has calculated the consequences for two scenarios: close them as soon as possible, at the latest by January 1, 2017, or in phases, by January 1, 2020. The end of the coal era is inevitable and the closing of all coal-fired power plants will mark this. The global coal industry has been hit with large problems and is no longer economically viable, in part because of the accelerated growth of renewable energy. Citigroup Bank in the US foresees a somber future for the coal sector and is phasing out its funding. Coal suppliers suffer billions in losses on the US and European stock markets. Coal experts anticipate that within approximately 10 years, all coal-fired power plants in Europe will be closed. Great Britain has decided to close all of its coal-fired power plants by 2025. Germany has recently decided to close eight large lignite power plants. In the United States, Obama has launched an attack against the ailing coal industry.
Since 2010, 200 coal-fired power plants have been closed in the US, which is 40% of all US coal-fired plants. During the coming years, Obama wants hundreds of coal-fired power plants to be closed and to significantly stimulate the production of sustainable energy. Even China is no longer focusing on coal. Although China will still build approximately 350 coal-fired power plants, this is only half of what was originally planned. In 2014, for the first time ever, coal consumption in China decreased, although the emissions appear to be higher than reported. However, local resistance against coal pollution is growing. Because of that, China is investing massive amounts in solar and wind energy: China now has the largest wind-power capacity in the world, and after Germany, the second-largest solar energy capacity. Therefore, a global movement against coal is developing. Earlier this year, the OECD said that new coal-fired power plants are the most urgent (climate) threat to the future of the planet. They produce a huge amount of CO2, three times more than natural gas power plants, and are also highly polluting due to emissions of particulate matter, soot and heavy metals. Can Dutch energy needs be met if all coal-fired power plants were to be closed? Yes. The total net capacity of the power plants in the Netherlands is approximately 33 GW. Of these, it is estimated that approximately 20 GW are needed for domestic use by industry and households. All of the coal-fired power plants have a capacity of circa 7.5 GW. Together the natural gas power plants could supply approximately 20 GW. If all coal-fired power plants were to be shut down, approximately 5.5 GW of reserve capacity would remain. So we could shut down all coal-fired power plants tomorrow without any trouble. In doing so, we assume that the necessary additional natural gas preferably come from Norway. By closing all coal-fired power plants, CO2 emissions in the Netherlands will be decreased by approximately 15 megatons per year, due to electricity from the coal-fired power plants being replaced by electricity from natural gas power plants. The CO2 reduction is slightly less than 10% of the total CO2 emissions. This means that we will more than meet the requirement of 25% greenhouse gas reduction by 2020. In addition, the closure would lead to a substantial reduction in pollution: a large coal-fired power plant (e.g. Eemshaven) annually produces approximately 100 tons of particulate matter, two million kilograms of nitrogen oxide and 550 kilograms of heavy metals (including mercury). Coal-
fired power plants also cause significantly more health damage through air pollution than alternative sources, including gas-fired plants. Action is needed because air pollution is still responsible for more than 400,000 premature deaths in Europe every year. Of course, under the Emission Trading System (ETS), this decrease can indeed be compensated for elsewhere in Europe, but that goes for any CO2 emissions reduction covered by the ETS cap (hence reducing CO2 emissions by increasing wind and solar energy). Yet, hiding behind this ETS system effect is itself a fallacy. Finally, the policy may bring changes itself during the coming years by tightening up the ETS system. There are also disadvantages linked to closing coal-fired power plants. We would not reach the renewable energy target in 2020 because biomass would no longer be co-fired in coal-fired power plants. As a result, the estimated portion of renewable energy in 2020 is 10.8% instead of 11.9%, which is far below the target of 14%. In the short term, our CO2 reduction target will outweigh the renewable energy target. Co-firing of biomass actually slows the transition to renewable energy. Moreover, the burning of biomass is under attack due to, among other reasons, its ever increasing contribution to particulate matter levels in Europe, doubts about CO2 reduction achieved, and the adverse effect that subsidizing wood for energy has on the cascading use of biomass for higher-value applications. Moreover, the price of electricity in the Netherlands could increase by approximately 2-4 euros per MWh. However, this is only approximately 10 euros per year, a small amount for the average Dutch family. Naturally, it will cost the relevant energy companies money, but we consider that an investment risk. A possible compensation from the government cannot be ruled out. Considering the costs and benefits at the macro level, the closing of the power plants will cost a maximum of 800 million per year. On the other hand, there will be a maximum of 500 million less spending from the SDE+ subsidy scheme by the loss of biomass co-firing. Until 2020, that provides a net cost of around 300 million euros per year. These costs are relatively limited, and it should be noted they do not take into account the social benefits (such as reduced CO2 emissions and less pollution).
The closure of all coal-fired plants is not only an effective measure, but is also an important signal from the Netherlands to the climate summit in Paris. We furthermore believe that the Netherlands should show leadership as they will take over the EU Presidency in the first half of 2016. This measure would underline that. However, closing these plants does not mean that they will no longer function. They could potentially be used under extreme circumstances or in emergencies. This would also put an end to the internationally incomprehensible paradox that one of the countries in most danger of climate change does the least to clamp down on it.
We therefore call on the cabinet and the House of Representatives to close all of the coal-fired power plants in the Netherlands before 2020.
Name
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Title
University
Prof. dr. Jan Boersema
hoogleraar milieukunde Leiden/Amsterdam VU
Professor in Principles of Environmental Sciences
Prof. dr. Theo Beckers
hoogleraar vrijetijdswetenschappen en adviseur Brabants centrum duurzame ontwikkeling Tilburg
Professor of leisure studies and Tilburg University advisor Brabant sustainable development center
Prof. dr. Jeroen van den Bergh
hoogleraar milieueconomie Barcelona/Amsterdam VU
Professor of environmental economics
VU University Amsterdam
Prof. dr. Frank Biermann
hoogleraar politicilogie en milieubeleid Amsterdam VU
Professor of political science and environmental policy
VU University Amsterdam
hoogleraar duurzame productontwikkeling Delft
Professor of sustainable product Delft University of Technology development
hoogleraar milieu-epidemiologie Utrecht
Professor of environmental epidemiology
Utrecht University
hoogleraar sociologie van ontwikkeling en verandering Wageningen
Professor of sociology of development and change
Wageningen University
hoogleraar windenergie Delft
Professor of wind energy
Delft University of Technology
Prof. dr. Marcel Canoy
distinguished lecturer Erasmus School of Accounting and Assurance
Distinguished lecturer Erasmus Erasmus School of Accounting School of Accounting and and Assurance Assurance
prof. dr. Marcel Dicke
hoogelaar entomologie Wageningen
Professor of Entomology
Prof.dr.ir. Andy van den Dobbelsteen
hoogleraar klimaatontwerp en duurzaamheid Delft
Professor of climate design and Delft University of Technology sustainability
Prof.dr. Ellen van Donk
hoogleraar aquatische ecologie Utrecht
Professor of aquatic ecology
Utrecht University
Prof.dr. Peter Driessen
hoogleraar milieumaatschappijwetenschappen Utrecht
Professor of environmental social sciences
Utrecht University
hoogleraar geowetenschappen/milieukunde Utrecht
Professor of geosciences / environmental
Utrecht University
emeritus-hoogleraar duurzaamheidsmanagement Rotterdam
Emeritus professor of sustainability management
Erasmus University Rotterdam
Prof.dr.ir. Han Brezet Prof. dr. ir. Bert Brunekreef Prof. dr. Bram Buscher Prof.dr. Gerard van Bussel
Prof.dr.ir. Klaas van Egmond Prof.dr. Josee van Eijndhoven
Leiden University
Wageningen University
hoogleraar beleidswetenschap en systeeminnovaties Amsterdam
Professor of science policy and University of Amsterdam system innovations
Prof.dr.ir. Michiel Haas
emeritus-hoogleraar duurzaamheid en materialen Delft
Emeritus Professor of sustainability and materials
Delft University of Technology
Prof.dr. Wim Hafkamp
hoogleraar milieukunde Rotterdam
Professor of environmental science
Erasmus University Rotterdam
Prof. Dr. Maarten Hajer
hoogleraar urban futures in Utrecht
Professor of urban futures
Utrecht University
Professor of sustainable construction
Nyenrode Business University and Delft University of Technology
Prof.dr. John Grin
Prof. Dr. Ir. Anke van Hal
hoogleraar duurzaam bouwen Nyenrode en Delft
Prof.dr.ir. Arjen Hoekstra
hoogleraar watermanagement Twente
Professor of water management University of Twente
prof. dr. Kees Hummelen
hoogleraar organische chemie Groningen
Professor of organic chemistry
University of Groningen
Prof.dr. Harry Hummels
hoogleraar ethiek, organisatie en samenleving Professor of ethics, organization Maastricht University Maastricht and society
Prof.dr Ekko van Ierland
hoogleraar milieu-econmie Wageningen
Professor of environmental economy
Wageningen University
Prof.dr. Jan Jonker
hoogleraar duurzaamheid Nijmegen
Professor of Sustainability
Radboud University Nijmegen
Prof.dr. Rene Kemp
hoogleraar innovatie en duurzame ontwikkeling Maastricht
Professor of Innovation and Sustainable Development
Maastricht University
emeritus-hoogleraar economie van innovatie Delft
Emeritus professor of economics of innovation
Delft University of Technology
Professor of management, science and technology
Open University / Wageningen University
Prof.dr. Alfred Kleinknecht
Prof.dr. Carolien Kroeze
hoogleraar management, wetenschap en technologie Open Universiteit/Wageningen
Prof.dr. Rik Leemans
hoogleraar milieu-systeemanalyse Wageningen
Professor of environmental systems analysis
Wageningen University
prof. dr. Harro van Lente
hoogleraar filosofie van duurzame ontwikkeling Maastricht
Professor of philosophy of sustainable development
Maastricht University
hoogleraar beleidswetenschappelijke milieukunde Nijmegen
Professor of environmental science policy
Radboud University Nijmegen
Prof.dr. Pieter Leroy
Prof.dr. Derk Loorbach
hoogleraar socio-economische transities Rotterdam
Professor socioeconomic transitions
Erasmus University Rotterdam
Prof.ir. Peter Luscuere
hoogleraar Building Services Delft
Professor of Building Services
Delft University of Technology
Prof.dr. Pim Martens
hoogleraar duurzame ontwikkeling Maastricht
Professor of Sustainable Development
Maastricht University
Prof. dr. Cees Midden
emeritus-hoogleraar cultuur en technologie Maastricht
Emeritus professor of culture and technology
Maastricht University
Prof.dr. Henk Moll
Professor of natural resources, University of Groningen hoogleraar natuurlijke hulpbronnen, duurzame sustainable production and productie en consumptie Groningen consumption
Prof dr. Wolf Mooij
hoogleraar aquatische ecologie Wageningen
Professor of Aquatic Ecology
Wageningen University
Prof.dr. Paquita Pérez Salgado
hoogleraar Unesco-leerstoel voor duurzame ontwikkeling Open Universiteit
Professor(UNESCO-Chair) for Sustainable Development
Open University
Prof.dr. Sjoerd Romme
hoogleraar ondernemerschap en innovatie Eindhoven
Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Eindhoven University of Technology
hoogleraar strategisch innovatiemanagement Nyenrode
Professor of strategic innovation Nyenrode Business University management
Prof. dr. ir. Rudy Rabbinge
hoogleraar duurzame ontwikkeling en voedselzekerheid Wageningen
Professor of sustainable development and food
Wageningen University
Prof.dr.ir. Jan Rotmans
hoogleraar transitiekunde Rotterdam (initiatiefnemer van de open brief)
Professor of transition science
Erasmus University Rotterdam (initiator of the open letter)
Prof.dr. Huub Savenije
hoogleraar hydrologie Delft
Professor of hydrology
Delft University of Technology
Prof. Dr. Ton Schoot Uiterkamp
hoogleraar milieukunde Groningen
Professor of environmental science
University of Groningen
emeritus-hoogleraar transitiestudies Professor Emeritus transition Eindhoven, directeur SPRU-beleidsonderzoek studies Eindhoven, Director Sussex (UK) SPRU Policy Research
University of Sussex (UK)
Prof.dr. Johan Schot
hoogleraar duurzame leefstijlen en consumptiepatronen Wageningen
Professor of sustainable lifestyles and consumption
Wageningen University
hoogleraar oceanische ruimte en menselijke activiteit Maastricht
Professor of ocean space and human activity
Maastricht University
Prof. Dr. Annemieke Roobeek
Prof.dr.ir. Gert Spaargaren Prof. dr. Jan Stel
hoogleraar methoden/technieken Groningen
Professor of methods / techniques
University of Groningen
hoogleraar milieutechnologie en ontwerp Delft
Professor of environmental technology and design
Delft University of Technology
hoogleraar duurzaam innoveren Delft/Trontheim
Professor of Sustainable Innovation
Delft University of Technology
Prof.dr. Rob van Tulder
hoogleraar international business-society management Rotterdam
Professor of International Erasmus University Rotterdam Business-Society Management
Prof.dr.ir. Pier Vellinga
hoogleraar klimaatverandering Wageningen
Professor climate change
Prof.dr.ir. Geert Verbong
hoogleraar systeeminnovatie en duurzame transitie Eindhoven
Professor of system innovation Eindhoven University of and sustainable transition Technology
Prof. mr. Jonathan Verschuuren
hoogleraar Europees en internationaal milieurecht Tilburg
Professor of European and Tilburg University international environmental law
Prof. dr. Louise Vet
hoogleraar evolutionaire ecologie Wageningen
Professor of evolutionary ecology
Wageningen University
hoogleraar ecologische genetica Wageningen
Professor of Ecological Genetics
Wageningen University
hoogleraar sociaal leren en duurzame ontwikkeling Wageningen
Professor of social learning and Wageningen University sustainable development
hoogleraar duurzaamheid en klimaatverandering Rotterdam
Professor of sustainability and climate change
Erasmus University Rotterdam
hoogleraar duurzaamheid en maatschappelijke verandering Utrecht
Professor of Sustainability and Social Change
Utrecht University
hoogleraar economie Antwerpen,Tilburg/Utrecht
Professor of economics
Tilburg University; Utrecht University
Prof. dr. Ernst Worrell
hoogleraar energie, materialen en milieu Utrecht
Professor of energy, materials and environment
Utrecht University
Prof.dr. Aart de Zeeuw
hoogleraar milieu-economie Tilburg
Professor of environmental economics
Tilburg University
Prof.dr.ir. Miro Zeman
hoogleraar zonne-energie Delft
Professor of solar energy
Delft University of Technology
Prof.dr. Frans Stokman Prof.dr.ir. A. van Timmeren Prof.dr. Arnold Tukker
Prof. Dr. Marcel Visser Prof.dr.ir. Arjen Wals Prof.dr. Gail Whiteman Prof. dr. Herman Wijffels Prof.Arjen van Witteloostuijn
Wageningen University
Prof.dr.ir. Bastiaan Zoeteman
hoogleraar duuurzame ontwikkeling Tilburg
Professor of sustainable development
Tilburg University
