There needs to be a “decent deal” between the coal plants that are about to be shut down and the state. This is what the member of Parliament Henri Bontenbal (CDA) says. “I want both sides, the power plant operator and the state, to make a decent deal.”
His rulings follow a court ruling ruling that the state does not have to pay compensation for the enforced closure of the RWE and Uniper coal plants. “It’s nice that this lawsuit is coming to an end, but the question is whether they will continue,” Bontenbal refers to a possible appeal.
podcasts | CDA: Stop the disputes between the state and energy companies
But such an appeal can be avoided with a “decent deal”, the deputy thinks. This would also achieve an early (forced) closure. “They have to come out of the trenches and make a decent deal. Those coal-fired power plants will be there until 2030, after which they may no longer burn coal. But until then they will. (…). I actually don’t think we can continue until 2030, so you have to make a deal.’
Whether such an agreement will materialize remains to be seen. RWE and threatens with a complete departure. “Unforeseen fundamental changes in government policy are not contributing to the investment climate,” RWE told BNR. Even starting a conversation doesn’t seem to be a solution. “They say they tried, but the ministry didn’t listen,” says climate and energy journalist Mark Beekhuis based on his conversations with companies.
‘need for stability’
“They actually mean: We didn’t get what we hoped for, and then you can always go to court,” says Beekhuis. Bontenbal sees that companies want an alternative. ‘The House of Representatives has stimulated biomass in the past, but it has been capricious. Same with energy storage. Companies cannot therefore invest. However, these companies still see the Netherlands to invest, as RWE won a tender for offshore wind turbines a few days ago. But we are not naive. We have to be satisfied with those companies and we need stability.’
Source: BNR
Fernando Dowling is an author and political journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. He has a deep understanding of the political landscape and a passion for analyzing the latest political trends and news.
