Greenhouse gas emissions 4 percent lower in Q3 2022

Reduced emissions from manufacturing and agriculture

Greenhouse gas emissions from manufacturing and agriculture were lower than in Q3 2021 by 12 and 11 percent respectively, mainly because less natural gas was consumed by these sectors. Consumption of other energy carriers remained virtually constant.

High natural gas prices played a role in the lower natural gas consumption. For example, it led to a scaling down (less production) in large-scale natural gas-intensive industries. In addition, the high number of sunshine hours in Q3was favourable for greenhouse horticulture as growers needed less artificial lighting based on cogeneration, for which natural gas is used.

Higher emissions in electricity sector

Greenhouse gas emissions by the electricity sector rose by 14 percent year on year. Natural gas and coal-fired power stations produced more electricity, partly as the electricity demand from abroad was up due to a tight European electricity market. The high electricity demand drove up the price of electricity to such an extent that it became lucrative even for high-efficiency natural gas plants to increase production, similar to coal-fired power plants.

Statistics Netherlands also calculates CO₂ emissions from all domestic economic activities according to the national accounts. Compared to emissions according to the IPCC definitions, this also includes the CO₂ emissions from international air and sea transport and the emissions from combustion of biomass. In the message below, the CO₂ emissions are presented in accordance with the calculation method of the national accounts.

CO₂ emissions by the Dutch economy over 4 percent lower

In Q3 2022, the Dutch economy emitted over 4 percent less CO₂ than in Q3 2021, while GDP grew by 3.1 percent over this period. Production was significantly higher in almost all sectors of the economy, while CO₂ emissions were lower. For example, emissions from manufacturing, mining and construction fell by 15 percent, while the value added grew by 2.5 percent. The sharpest reduction in CO₂ emissions was seen in the petroleum industry.

The transport sector emitted virtually the same level of CO₂ as one year previously. Aviation emitted 19 percent more than in the same quarter last year. Despite this increase, emissions were not back at the pre-pandemic level. Emissions from inland shipping were also higher. On the other hand, emissions from road transport were 7 percent lower than in Q3 2021. Maritime transport also emitted less than twelve months previously in Q3.