Greenhouse gas emissions up slightly in the second quarter of 2026

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were slightly higher in Q2 2026 than in Q2 2025 (+0.6 precent). Lower emissions in the mobility sector were offset by higher emissions in the electricity sector. Statistics Netherlands (CBS) and the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM)/Emissions Register report this on the basis of provisional quarterly figures on GHG emissions, in accordance with the IPCC guidelines.

Lower emissions from the mobility sector

In Q2 2026, the mobility sector emitted over 10 percent less greenhouse gas, year on year. Diesel consumption was lower, in particular. This was due to a fuel tax discount in Germany intended to offset rising diesel prices. As a result, it was more cost-effective for international freight transporters to refuel across the border in Germany. Under IPCC guidelines, the resulting emissions are attributed to Germany. In addition, there has been a further increase in the use of electric vehicles in the Netherlands.

In the second quarter of 2026, the mobility sector’s contribution to total emissions was 21 percent, down from 23.5 percent in Q2 2025.

Higher emissions in the electricity sector

In Q2 2026, the electricity sector emitted nearly 22 percent more greenhouse gases than in the same quarter of 2025. Higher electricity production required increased consumption of coal (+87 percent) and natural gas (+15 percent). More electricity was exported, in particular to Belgium, and domestic consumption was also higher. The electricity sector’s contribution to total emissions was 17.5 percent in Q2 2026, compared to 14.5 percent Q2 2025.

Emissions from manufacturing down

Emissions from the manufacturing sector were slightly lower than in the same quarter of the previous year (-1 percent). Emissions from the petroleum industry was higher. However, the chemical industry emitted less, partly due to maintenance at several energy-intensive companies. The manufacturing sector accounted for the largest share of total emissions in the second quarter of 2026, at 34 percent.

CBS also calculates CO₂ emissions from all domestic economic activities according to the methods of the national accounts. Unlike emissions calculated according to the IPCC definitions, these include CO₂ emissions from international air and sea transport and emissions from the combustion of biomass. In this news release, CO₂ emissions are described in accordance with the calculation method and terminology set out in the national accounts.

CO₂ emissions from the Dutch economy 2.5 percent higher

The Dutch economy emitted 2.5 percent more CO₂ in Q2 2026 than it did in Q2 2025, while gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 1.3 percent over the same period. Q2 2026 was colder overall than Q2 2025. After adjusting for the weather conditions, CO₂ emissions increased by 1.4 percent.

The increase in CO₂ emissions calculated according to the national accounts is greater than the increase in greenhouse gas emissions according to the IPCC because the national accounts also include emissions from biomass combustion and international aviation. These emissions were higher, but they are excluded from the IPCC calculation.

The increased use of coal and biomass by power stations was a major contributor to the increase in emissions. As a result, energy and water companies, and waste management emitted nearly 19 percent more CO₂. The value added by this sector remained virtually unchanged, however. In mining, manufacturing, and construction, both CO₂ emissions and value added were 1 percent lower.

The transport sector, which comprises aviation, maritime shipping, inland shipping, and commercial road transport, emitted just over 1 percent less CO₂, despite an increase in aviation emissions. The sector's value added grew by more than 3 percent.

Households and the services sector also emitted less CO₂, primarily due to lower petrol and diesel consumption. The services sector, however, saw an increase in value added.