The State Secretary for Infrastructure, Thierry Aartsen, has provided new clarity on the government’s approach to renewable fuels following recent parliamentary questions. His answers underline both the opportunities and constraints in scaling up sustainable fuels across road transport, shipping, and beyond.

Higher Blends & B10

While EU rules allow up to 10% FAME biodiesel (B10), the market will continue to offer B7 alongside premium diesel. A mandatory switch is not feasible yet, given technical limitations in parts of the vehicle fleet. Still, the government stresses higher blends are essential for meeting climate goals.

Annex IXb Feedstocks

The Netherlands already uses more than the EU’s 1.7% cap, which forces difficult national allocation choices. To avoid fuel price shocks, IXb biodiesel will stay in road transport, while the remaining volumes are directed to inland shipping. Maritime shipping is excluded in line with agreements with Belgium. The Netherlands supports raising the EU cap to unlock further growth.

Shipping Sector Obligation

A broad biofuel obligation will apply to all deliveries in the Netherlands. Companies can either use renewable fuels themselves or buy emission reduction units (EREs). Concerns raised by producers are being factored into the upcoming regulation, with competitiveness and a level playing field as guiding principles.

Long-Term Obligations

The Netherlands is exploring biofuel obligations beyond 2030, in line with France (2035) and Germany (2040). The RVO is conducting scenario analyses, with results due this autumn, though the current legislation effective January does not yet include such an extension.

Union Database (UDB)

The UDB is scheduled to go live for liquid biofuels by January 2026. The Netherlands has underlined the importance of effective supervision and full access for regulators, while pressing the Commission to improve the system within the tight timeline.

Enforcement & Oversight

Aartsen called for a European network of supervisors with authority over certification bodies, ensuring stronger fraud detection both inside and outside the EU. Domestically, the NEa is investigating vulnerabilities in the supply chain based on its 2024 report.

Electricity Booking Services

Renewable electricity can only be booked once, with exclusive authorization for a single provider. The NEa will oversee this system to prevent double claims.

Bio-LNG & Infrastructure

Renewable energy must be physically available. The Netherlands opposes administrative greening of fossil LNG with certificates, citing environmental and monitoring concerns, while seeking practical cross-border solutions on mass balance rules.

The debate on these topics is scheduled for 29 September 2025, with the State Secretary present in Parliament to discuss the government’s approach. A likely vote is expected on 3 October 2025.