Element NL responds positively to the coalition agreement of D66, VVD and CDA. The continuation of the sector agreement on Gas Production in the Energy Transition is a positive step and makes clear that the new cabinet takes a realistic view of the importance of gas production in the Netherlands. This provides clarity, continuity and perspective for companies looking to invest in the energy transition and contributes to security of supply and the affordability of energy for Dutch households.
“Explicitly naming a sector agreement builds confidence,” says Element NL Chair Gerda Verburg. “It shows that the cabinet is choosing cooperation with the sector and policies that do not change every few years. That policy continuity is crucial to enable investments and contributes to a reliable, affordable and sustainable energy system.” The sector agreement was concluded in April 2025 by Minister Hermans together with EBN and Element NL.
From plans to implementation, faster
Element NL also sees clear opportunities in the cabinet’s ambitions to accelerate permitting procedures and limit the number of objection and appeal processes. “Long and uncertain procedures not only delay housing construction, but also critical energy projects,” Verburg states. “Faster decision making helps to actually realise plans.”
CCS indispensable for climate targets
Element NL emphasises the importance of carbon capture and storage (CCS) as an indispensable instrument for achieving Dutch climate targets while retaining industry in the Netherlands, especially for sectors where fully emission free alternatives are not available in the short term. According to the Element NL Chair, CCS is not an end goal, but a necessary bridge in the transition towards a green industry. “It is good that policy continues to provide room for this.”
Maintain the pace of the formation process: a call to political parties
Element NL calls on political parties to work constructively together on the implementation of the agreement. Verburg: “The formation process moved quickly. We hope this pace will be maintained in concrete plans and legislation, so that the Netherlands can truly get to work.”
Getting to work together
The sector stands ready to think along and contribute to implementation. “Our companies have the knowledge, infrastructure and investment capacity needed for a reliable and affordable energy supply, today and tomorrow,” says Verburg. “We look forward to engaging with the new cabinet and with political parties in the House of Representatives to jointly turn these plans into action.”
About Element NL
The members of Element NL are working towards a CO₂ neutral energy system. Element NL represents the interests of companies that produce oil and gas in the Netherlands, both offshore and onshore, and that realise CO₂ storage projects. These oil and gas companies explore for potential gas reserves in the subsurface, on land and in the North Sea, and produce Dutch natural gas. This ensures safe and responsible gas production, greater security of supply and at least 30% lower CO2 emissions compared to imported gas. The economic benefits are also significant: 70 to 80 cents of every euro earned flows back to the state treasury.
Dutch natural gas provides security for households and feedstock for industry. CO2 storage enables industry to decarbonise in the Netherlands. And the reuse of our infrastructure contributes to an affordable energy transition.
