The Dutch Energy Transition: Shifting Topology and Fortunes

Journal article (2018)

Authors

C.J. van Calcar Student
D.J. Scholten Economics of Technology and Innovation - TPM
Research Group
Economics of Technology and Innovation (TPM) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2018 C.J. van Calcar, D.J. Scholten
More Info
expand_more

Published Date

2018

Language

English

Reuse Rights

Other than for strictly personal use, it is not permitted to download, forward or distribute the text or part of it, without the consent of the author(s) and/or copyright holder(s), unless the work is under an open content license such as Creative Commons.

Faculty

Technology, Policy and Management

Department

Values Technology and Innovation

Research Group

Economics of Technology and Innovation

Abstract

The discovery of natural gas in Slochteren in 1959 kick started a major transition in the Dutch energy sector. The move from coal mined in Limburg to natural gas extraction in Groningen had a huge impact on both provinces in particular and the Dutch energy sector in general. After the last of the twelve coal mines in Limburg was shut in 1969, half of the workforce in Limburg was left unemployed, considered unfit, or in early retirement (NOS 2014). Political leverage of Limburg on the overall energy policy also took a hit, considering coal-fired power plants located in other provinces were no longer dependent on coal from Limburg. In Groningen, natural gas created space for thousands of jobs and allowed the region to establish itself as an energy hub, economically, politically, and academically. Gas export revenues also became a welcome addition to the national treasury.

Files

The_Dutch_Energy_Transition.pd... (pdf)
(pdf | 0.437 Mb)
Unknown license