The Netherlands has told the European Commission that it opposes plans to classify investing in natural gas as a green project but that it will accept the inclusion of nuclear power on the list, with certain restrictions.

Climate minister Rob Jetten said in a briefing to MPs that, in line with parliament’s wishes, the Netherlands favours the inclusion of  (research into) nuclear energy in the list on two conditions.

Firstly, storage facilities must meet sustainability criteria and secondly, the obligation to use accident tolerant fuels should be removed as these are not yet commercially available. In addition, Jetten said, more detail is needed about how to avoid water used in the cooling process damaging the environment.

The new Dutch government plans to look into establishing two new nuclear power stations in the Netherlands.

However, Jetten said the Netherlands is opposed to plans to classify investments in natural gas projects as green but that it could be considered a temporary option. The Netherlands plans to end its dependence on natural gas completely by 2050.

Climate neutral

The European Commission is drawing up the list or taxonomy of what counts as green investment in terms of energy as part of efforts to ensure the EU is climate neutral in 30 years.

In particular, the commission ‘considers there is a role for natural gas and nuclear as a means to facilitate the transition towards a predominantly renewable-based future’.

The plan is now out for consultation with member states.

According to the Financieele Dagblad, there is enough opposition in the European parliament to torpedo the commission’s plan.