For our energy supply, the Netherlands largely depend on natural gas from Russia. After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the question arises: should we become less dependent on Russian gas? Professor of Transition Studies Jan Rotmans foresees difficulties, but also opportunities, he tells RTL Nieuws.
"It's tricky, because recently the Netherlands has been pushing for more cooperation with Russia because we saw that the natural gas field in Groningen was going to close. So we have gone in exactly the opposite direction," says Jan Rotmans.
Faster switch to solar and wind energy
"All our appliances consume more and more electricity," says Rotmans. The Netherlands therefore needs more and more electricity. "Solar energy is very much underestimated. Only 10 per cent of the available roofs have solar panels and there is also plenty of room for panels on noise barriers along motorways and railway lines."
Along with 'an explosive increase' in offshore wind energy, the transition expert sees the most in wind and solar. "We need to start building wind farms at sea as soon as possible that are much bigger than planned."
More independent, less dependent
Rotmans does not see a major role for nuclear power. "It is expensive and building a power station takes at least 10 years." Becoming less dependent on Russian gas costs money. According to the professor, it will become cheaper if the techniques are used on a large scale. "For example, solar energy has become 80 per cent cheaper in the past seven to eight years. Batteries to temporarily store solar energy will also become much cheaper if you use more of them."
According to the Professor of Transition Studies, fossil energy will only become more expensive due to geopolitical tensions. "In the end, solar and wind energy will certainly win out over fossil energy, because it will become much cheaper in the long run. Energy conservation is also badly needed to minimise dependence on countries you'd rather not be dependent on."
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The entire article can be found on the website of RTL Nieuws.
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