Utility CO2 targets on course

Dutch energy distribution companies are on course for meeting CO2 reduction targets set in the 1991 environmental action plan (MAP), according to utility umbrella organisation EnergieNed. By the end of 1997 -- in which an 8% reduction was achieved -- the utilities had succeeded in achieving 73% of the target. Most gains have come through improved energy efficiency rather than use of renewables, with domestic energy conservation targets having already been met. The report acknowledges that much work still needs to be done if the utilities are to meet their goal of securing 1.7 billion kWh of energy from renewables by 2000. Prior to end 1997, only 0.9 billion kWh had been achieved. Total income from the MAP levy in 1997 was NLG 229 million. Of this amount, NLG 94 million was used for subsidised projects, and NLG 18 million invested, while a further NLG 42 million was reserved for future MAP projects, particularly renewable projects. Under MAP, Dutch utilities agreed to cut CO2 emissions by 17 million tons by 2000.