The Dutch Emission Authority (Nederlandse Emissieautoriteit – NEa) is the independent national authority which implements and monitors the market tools available that contribute to a climate-neutral society.
These market tools were developed in in Europe in order to reach the climate targets as recorded in the Paris Climate Agreement, and further refined in the Green Deal: a reduction of at least 55% in CO2 emissions from 1990 to 2030, with Europe as the first climate neutral continent by 2050. The market tools are used for the reduction of CO2 emissions by the industry, and an increase of renewable energy for transport.
Inform, facilitate and inspect
The Dutch Emission Authority is the appointed organization to implement and monitor the European Emission Trading System (EU ETS) for the industry in the Netherlands, as well as the Energy for Transport regulations. We grant authorisations, facilitate the CO2 emissions allowances and renewable energy unit trade, and administer the CO2 and Energy for Transport registry. We perform inspections at companies and impose sanctions where needed. However, we also offer support by educating and providing resources. Both the market and government receive advise based on achieved results and relevant developments.
In addition, the NEa administers the national CO2-tax, and supervises the Act on the Prohibition on Coal for Electricity Production, and the Regulation on the conformity assessment of solid biomass for energy applications.
The Dutch Emission Authority operates under the direction of the ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy (EZK) and the ministry of Infrastructure and Watermanagement (IenW). The executive board is a non-departmental public body (NDPB).
The former Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment (VROM) founded the Dutch Emissions Authority (NEa) on 1 January 2005. The NEa was charged with independently supervising how companies comply with emissions trading laws and regulations. Up to 2013 this included carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen (NOx) emissions. Since then the trade in NOx emissions has ceased as a market tool.
In 2011, the NEa also became the designated authority for laws and regulations governing renewable energy for transport and air pollution from fuels.
On 1 January 2018, we were appointed as supervisor on compliance with sustainability requirements tied to the use of solid biomass in energy production. Starting 2021 we are also tasked with administering the CO2-tax for the industry and ensuring compliance with it. The CO2-tax should secure the reduction of CO2 emissions with 14.3 Mt by 2030.
Over de NEa
The Dutch Emission Authority (Nederlandse Emissieautoriteit – NEa) is the independent national authority which implements and monitors the market tools available that contribute to a climate-neutral society.
This is our mission. To accomplish this, we shall be as stern as required, by imposing fines or using other means of intervention. We simultaneously offer aid to companies, using education and resources to make the more complicated regulations comprehensible and feasible in use, so they may comply with their obligations. We also advise both market and government on achieved results, relevant developments and possible improvements. In all we do we are independent, sustainable, open and fair: the NEa’s core values.
Our strategy for the upcoming years rests on these 3 aims:
The NEa as a leading authority with proud and expert employees.
Offer high quality against the lowest possible costs thanks to our outstanding supervision and implementation.
The NEa as a reliable, professional, and future-proof organization, one to which our government can entrust vital tasks.
The Dutch Emission Authority is established in The Hague, with a staff of over 80 employees. It functions as a non-departmental public body. The executive board is an independent governing board of 3 members, appointed by the State Secretary of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy:
Mark Bressers (director)
Jolande Sap
Johan de Leeuw
The executive board makes decisions in accordance with its statutory tasks, like granting permits and handing out sanctions. They also carry responsibility for decisions based on the Environmental Management Act, both in the areas of the EU ETS and Energy for Transport. The executive board also keeps an eye on the quality of the preparations for these decisions.
Emissions trading and renewable energy and fuels are issues that extend beyond national borders. Much of the applicable regulations are international, and the decisive role of the European Union (EU) and United Nations (UN) in implementation is growing. National climate and energy targets are easier to realise within a harmonised and international context.
The NEa therefore encourages international collaboration to raise the effectiveness of emissions trading. The NEa also coordinates compliance with renewable energy regulations with EU partner organisations. The NEa is a member of various EU and UN working parties and forums.
