The Dutch Government's vision: accelerating solar PV adoption for a sustainable future

Solar energy is becoming increasingly important in combating climate change and the energy transition. Recognizing its importance, the Dutch government indicated in the Zonnebrief 2.0 to take big steps to promote the utilization of solar photovoltaics (PV). The following presents some key elements of this ambitious plan set out in the Zonnebrief:

• ?Solar energy goals: The government has set an ambitious target to accelerate the deployment of solar PV, aiming to achieve 173 GW by 2050. Given that solar energy production stood at 4.2 GW in 2022, this journey will involve overcoming challenges. Still, the government is confident that proper regulations and incentives can make these goals achievable.
• New building and construction norms: The Dutch government is focusing on maximizing solar energy use in new buildings, preparing to implement the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (de herziene richtlijn voor de energieprestatie van gebouwen; EPBD). This revision includes new provisions for solar energy, and updates to (bijna energie neutrale gebouw; BENG) and Environmental Performance of Buildings (milieuprestatie van gebouwen; MPG) standards are under review.
• Existing building modifications: Solar energy generation is strongly promoted for existing structures. As of 1 July 2023, the installation of solar PV on commercial rooftops will become a part of the Recognized Measures List of the energy-saving obligation (Erkende Maatregelenlijst van de energiebesparingsplicht), under the energy-saving obligation. Post-finalization of the revised EPBD, more such obligations will be introduced.
• Zoning rules: The government prioritizes solar PV installation on rooftops, facades, and other developed areas before considering agricultural and natural lands. Efforts are underway to enforce this preference order and to consider potential rules for solar deployment.
• Legal framework: The government is crafting a legal framework to ensure that obligations and targets are met. It includes legally enforcing by 1 July 2024, the Preferential Order Sun (Voorkeursvolgorde Zon), mandating solar PV installation above new parking spaces, and the "no, unless" rule (de nee, tenzij-regel), aiming to limit solar PV installations on agricultural and natural lands. Further legal adjustments are expected following a decision to be made in September this year (with or without a national instruction rule in the Environmental Quality Decree (Besluit kwaliteit leefomgeving; Bkl)). Additionally, the impact of the "no, unless" rule on the Regional Energy Strategy (RES) objectives for sustainable generation via solar PV will need to be assessed.
• Public participation: Promoting local ownership and citizen participation in solar PV projects is a key aspect of the government's approach. This initiative aims to enhance public acceptance and involvement in the energy transition.
• Directive Implementations: Implementing the revised EPBD and Renewable Energy Directive III (richtlijn hernieuwbare energie; RED III) is critical to supporting the government's ambitious solar energy goals. These directives will likely introduce new obligations and opportunities for solar energy generation.
• Economical feasibility: Solar energy projects must be economically feasible to ensure sustainability and promote wider adoption. Thus, measures and proposals are considered based on their potential to pay for themselves within a reasonable time frame.
• SDE++ scheme: Launched in 2020, the SDE++ scheme aims to stimulate investments in CO2-reducing techniques, including solar PV. The Netherlands is well on its way to achieving its renewable energy targets, primarily due to the success of this scheme.
• Legislative measures: New legislation is planned to require local governments to identify areas suitable for renewable electricity generation, thus supporting the national goal of producing 35 TWh of renewable electricity on land by 2030.
• CO2 footprint reduction: Active efforts are being made to reduce the CO2 footprint of solar panels, advocating a sustainable life cycle, from raw material extraction to recycling post-use.
• Production increase of solar PV: The government is working to stimulate local production of solar PV at both national and EU levels. The underlying rationale includes the lower CO2 footprint of European-made solar panels, the region's significant reliance on external production, and Europe's innovative knowledge in circular solar PV design.
• Solar mobility: Solar mobility represents a promising application with several Dutch start-ups focusing on solar PV application in road transport and inland shipping. Solar PV in vehicles can increase their range and reduce dependence on charging infrastructure.

In summary, the Dutch government's approach to accelerate the deployment of solar PV is comprehensive, taking into account several essential factors. It ensures environmental sustainability, economic feasibility, public participation, and safety while meeting ambitious renewable energy targets. This approach shows interesting developments for the future of solar energy in the Netherlands. The various actions outlined in the letter from the former Minister contributes significantly to this end. The choices the government makes today must be realistic and logically fit into tomorrow's energy system. With the rapidly growing role of solar PV in the energy system, we will continue to monitor the developments and the subsequent policy choices around solar energy.?