Netherlands Shifts Energy Policy to Focus on Breakthrough Innovations Over Incremental Changes
The Hague, Thursday, 18 December 2025.
The Dutch government received groundbreaking recommendations to abandon its step-by-step approach to green energy in favor of supporting revolutionary innovations that could transform entire systems. The advisory council argues that current policies focusing on gradual technological improvements are insufficient for achieving true energy independence and climate neutrality by 2050. Minister Sophie Hermans accepted the proposal to establish a high-risk, high-reward fund for ‘wild ideas’ and systematic long-term support for breakthrough technologies. The shift comes as unpredictable energy prices and grid overload are stalling housing construction and forcing industry relocations, highlighting the urgent need for system-wide energy transformation rather than incremental progress.
AWTI Delivers Strategic Recommendations to New Climate Minister
On December 17, 2025, Minister Sophie Hermans of the Ministry of Climate and Green Growth received the advisory council’s comprehensive recommendations for transforming the Netherlands’ energy innovation approach [2]. The Adviesraad voor wetenschap, technologie en innovatie (AWTI), led by chairperson Mirjam Van Praag, presented the advice alongside council member Ellen Moors, marking a pivotal moment in Dutch energy policy development [2]. The timing coincides with energy being identified as one of the core themes during cabinet formation, underscoring the political urgency surrounding this transition [2]. The advisory was originally requested by former Minister Rob Jetten of Climate and Energy and Member of Parliament Henri Bontenbal, demonstrating cross-party interest in addressing the nation’s energy challenges [1][2].
Beyond Incremental Change: The Case for System Innovation
Van Praag emphasized that current government initiatives and regulations are excessively focused on step-by-step greening through technological innovation, which proves insufficient for achieving genuine energy transformation [2]. The AWTI argues that breakthrough innovations require system-wide changes that extend far beyond technology alone, encompassing organizational structures, regulations, behavioral patterns, incentives, and collaborative frameworks [2]. According to Van Praag, ‘In such breakthrough innovations, technological innovation, network improvement, behavior, entrepreneurship, and governance together contribute to the necessary renewal of a sustainable and affordable energy system’ [1][2]. This holistic approach represents a fundamental departure from the Netherlands’ current innovation strategy, which has prioritized gradual improvements over revolutionary change.
Concrete Policy Framework for Breakthrough Innovation
The advisory council outlined specific mechanisms to accelerate breakthrough innovations, including investment in a limited number of promising programs and the establishment of a high-risk, high-reward fund for ‘wild ideas’ [2]. The recommendations extend to financing subsequent development stages of new concepts while simultaneously implementing non-technological organizational measures and making regulations more innovation-friendly [2]. Minister Hermans acknowledged the strategic importance of these recommendations, stating that ‘Innovation is indispensable for the energy transition and a sustainable, strong and internationally competitive Netherlands’ [2]. The policy framework aims to reduce bureaucratic obstacles for innovative companies while ensuring that the Netherlands can capitalize on future economic opportunities in the energy transition [2].
Strategic Autonomy and Economic Competitiveness
The AWTI’s recommendations address the Netherlands’ heavy dependence on fossil fuels from outside Europe, positioning breakthrough innovation as essential for achieving strategic autonomy [1]. The council advocates for developing a future vision for the Dutch economy and society by 2050, moving away from short-term goals for 2030 [1]. Van Praag noted that only through comprehensive breakthrough innovations can the Netherlands achieve climate neutrality while simultaneously becoming more resilient and economically stronger [1]. The energy and climate sector has been identified as one of four strategic and promising domains in Peter Wennink’s recent advice ‘De route naar toekomstige welvaart,’ reinforcing the sector’s critical importance for national competitiveness [2]. The advisory represents a constructive contribution to new cabinet planning, as energy remains a central theme in ongoing cabinet formation discussions [2].