
Climate goals achievable with strategic approach
Both globally and in the Netherlands, we are lagging the Paris climate targets. Meeting the climate targets is urgent, but possible. Many solutions are readily available, and they serve not only the climate, but also other sustainability goals and not least the economy. TNO advocates an integrated approach and demonstrates how we can speed up the process towards climate neutrality.
Integrated approach is crucial
Last April, TNO did research on accelerating the energy transition. We outlined key options for a number of prominent sectors that allow the transition to be achieved. It is clear that the energy transition requires much more than just technological solutions; a system approach is required. At least as important are financial support measures, the policy and implementation processes, behaviour and the availability of professionals. At the same time the energy transition is not the only societal challenge. High energy prices, geopolitical tensions, the risk for a new pandemic, the nitrogen crisis in the Netherlands, and the huge pressure on the labour market are other societal issues which requires (partly) the same scarce resources. A total view and vision on the intertwining of these societal challenges is crucial and required.
Pathways and solutions:
Making sectors more sustainable
TNO presented five measures (Dutch) to make freight traffic and shipping (two large contributors to CO2 emissions) more sustainable more quickly. The sustainability of housing construction can also be accelerated by taking an industrial and programmatic approach. Technically acceleration is possible and economically and socially it is particularly desirable, as TNO research (Dutch) shows. Especially here the scarcity issues (material and labour) show the intertwining of the different societal issues.
Making industry more sustainable
This is also true for industry, which is responsible for almost a third of the energy consumption, CO2 emissions and use of raw materials in the Netherlands. Specifically for that sector, TNO is developing solutions in the form of a TNO Green Print. With a Green Print, TNO offers parties in industry defined solutions, facilities and collaborations to make sustainability a reality and accelerate the energy transition. We also work together with government and industry. Leading in this effort is the industrial transformation, not small incremental measures but a fundamental change of the industry in which circularity is key.
This is an example of an integrated approach where energy transition and realising a more circular economy reinforce each other. Such an approach could also make a significant contribution to reducing nitrogen emissions and other environmental impact, reducing dependence on raw materials and lowering waste generation. In addition to making energy supply and use more sustainable, reducing energy demand is effective and necessary.
Energy transition policy
TNO develops knowledge and advises governments on policies that can help reduce the consumption of energy and climate-damaging products and services, as well as on how to involve the inhabitants of the Netherlands in the energy transition in their different roles (consumer, employee, etc.). Several analyses have made it clear that the energy transition, if properly directed and combined with steady innovation (both for technological improvement and rapid scale-up), can result in reduced costs of energy supply.
Scenarios for a climate-neutral energy system for the Netherlands
New exploration shows the limits of possibilities
Paris goals requires additional Dutch policy
In the recently published Dutch Climate and Energy Outlook, several research institutes, including PBL (Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency), RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment) and TNO, announced that more policy is needed if we are to meet CO2 reduction targets. The estimate based on the policy adopted and proposed shows 39-50% reduction compared to 1990. This is less than the 55% reduction needed by 2030, and the step to zero emissions by 2050 will still have to be made. Additional policy is badly needed for all sectors. TNO advocates an integrated approach across sectors based on a strategy aimed at meeting the targets by 2050.
A systems approach is needed. Such a comprehensive and consistent approach is key to address multiple problems (greenhouse gas emissions, nitrogen crisis, resource scarcity, energy security and affordability) simultaneously and efficiently, allowing us to timely identify obstacles and ensure stability in policy, the market and innovation. TNO is helping the Netherlands meet its climate goals by accelerating the energy transition through knowledge of technology, innovation processes, policy and behaviour.
Get inspired
Unique test installation for CO2 capture and conversion to green chemicals
While the world is fully engaged in electrolysis to produce hydrogen by splitting water, TNO is also using this technology to convert CO2. CO2 electrolysis is a promising electrochemical technique for converting this greenhouse gas into high-quality sustainable chemicals.


Combining offshore wind and floating solar to reduce costs of green hydrogen
The recently granted innovative research project SENSE-HUB, led by TNO, addresses the integration of various energy system modules for the Dutch North Sea. The synergies between offshore wind, offshore solar and hydrogen production at sea will be considered.


North Sea countries unite forces to accelerate offshore hydrogen production
Commissioned by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, TNO researched the benefits of a shared approach by the North Sea countries, and how conversion into hydrogen at sea can be used to better unlock the potential of energy from the North Sea.


Course on the Essentials of Pulsation and Vibration Control PVC in Process Installations
The PVC course will be organized again by TNO! In a two-day course, you will be introduced to the essentials of pulsation and vibration control in process installations.
SEWGS: revolutionary CO2-reduction technology
In order to make existing industrial production processes cleaner, TNO has developed a technology that very efficiently captures CO2 while simultaneously producing hydrogen.