The Netherlands has been negotiating with other EU counties about buying sustainable energy rights to help it meet targets, the economic affairs ministry has confirmed to broadcaster NOS.

To meet EU targets, some 14% of energy generated in the Netherlands should come from sustainable sources by the end of this year, but that target is far from being reached. According to the government’s planning agency PBL, Dutch sustainable energy production will be no more than 11.4% of the total.

However, by buying production rights in other countries with a surplus of sustainable energy, the Netherlands will technically be able to meet the EU target. Luxembourg, which is also at the bottom of the ranking with the Netherlands, has already bought green energy rights in Estonia and Lithuania.

Olof van der Gaag of the Dutch sustainable energy producers association told NOS that Dutch firms will miss out on both orders and jobs if the Netherlands does buy rights abroad.

A final decision has not yet been taken, the broadcaster said.