D66 also wants to stimulate offshore wind via the demand side

D66 states that offshore wind will become "the foundation of our clean energy" in the Netherlands. This requires not only investment in the wind sector and infrastructure, but the government must also "finance and implement crucial projects for making the industry more sustainable." The social liberals presented their draft election manifesto this Friday.

The program, titled "It's Possible," is considerably shorter at 86 pages than the 231 pages D66 presented to voters in 2023. The document is also accompanied by an implementation program of another 125 pages.

The term "climate neutral," a term last time associated with the year 2040, no longer appears in the platform presented this Friday. When asked, the party stated that it wants "a climate-neutral Netherlands as soon as possible." However, "Climate policy stood still for two years under this gray cabinet. If we now look at what needs to be done, it will be a major challenge to be climate-neutral by 2050."

Compared to 2023, the social liberals, led by former climate minister Rob Jetten, only outline the path to the desired "economy that thrives within the limits of the planet." But not before addressing the protection of the democratic rule of law in detail. Climate and energy, the first chapter two years ago, are now in chapter five.

D66 states that offshore wind will become "the foundation of our clean energy," and solar energy will also be given ample space. The party wants to invest in both. "The government must eliminate investment risks for offshore wind with contracts for difference . Issue tenders at fixed times throughout the year. Invest in offshore infrastructure," the party summarizes when asked.

To make offshore wind a success, the demand side must also be developed. "The government must finance and implement crucial projects for making the industry more sustainable," the party stated. "The current approach is failing: customized agreements are failing. Companies are choosing not to invest in green industrial projects. Yet, with the industry of the future, connected to our own locally sourced energy, we can become a global leader."

The social liberals remain "open" to nuclear energy. The implementation program states that D66 will continue along the path already taken by the current cabinet with the construction of two nuclear power plants. Furthermore, battery storage will be promoted, as will heat storage and green hydrogen production. Agreements will be made with large consumers regarding flexible electricity use, and dynamic tariffs and dynamic energy contracts will be introduced for households.

The party strongly supports European integration. "The Netherlands is taking the lead in a strong European energy system. We want to share power grids and organize energy storage with other countries. We are also collaborating on offshore wind, green hydrogen, and reliable networks under the North Sea." And D66 is committed to "level playing field in Europe, so that companies in the Netherlands are not disadvantaged compared to companies in other EU countries."

But that doesn't mean all measures will be taken at European level, or at all. D66 wants to ensure that other countries "will pursue equally ambitious policies" as the Netherlands. "This way, we ensure that sustainability pays off and we prevent countries from pushing each other towards ever-lower environmental standards to be cheaper," the party says. D66 wants a "real" price on pollution and the phasing out of all fossil fuel subsidies.

Industrial emissions must be reduced: those who can green their operations with a sustainable business model should do so. "A healthy economy punishes pollution and rewards work." The government is there for smart incentives, infrastructure, and less paperwork. "And we're also honest and realistic: not every industry fits in every location. [...] We're setting a clear end date for fossil fuel technologies for each sector, and we're making clear plans for the transition to sustainable alternatives."

CO₂ reduction efforts must also be made outside of industry. In 2026, the social liberals will introduce a legally established minimum price for CO₂ for sectors outside the Emissions Trading System (ETS). "This price will increase gradually, with annual evaluation."

D66 wants to give "the highest priority" to strengthening the electricity grid. "The energy transition will stall without sufficient capacity on the grid. That's why grid operators should be allowed to invest more quickly. They will be responsible for sufficient grid capacity that aligns with our climate goals." The question is whether grid operators will also be held accountable for this responsibility, and if so, how? To accelerate this process, permitting procedures must be shortened and made more efficient.

To stimulate investments, a National Investment Bank for major transitions should be established, with a well-funded fund and a broad mandate. The National Growth Fund will be part of this. This public institution should invest "in what helps the Netherlands move forward," such as the electricity grid and district heating networks in the built environment. The bank should also support the scaling up of technologies like green hydrogen and technological innovation.

D66 wants no one to be left behind in the green economy of the future. "The climate crisis affects us all, but not everyone equally. That's why D66 is ensuring a fair distribution of the costs and benefits of the energy transition. This way, we make the transition to clean energy more social and just." All homes must be more energy-efficient, a large-scale insulation plan is being implemented, residents will have a stake in local energy projects, can share in the proceeds, and will have a say in these projects through cooperatives or participation funds.