On Thursday, June 18, RWE, together with other parties, introduced and signed the Carbon Removal Pact. This pact is a broad collaboration among companies that are committed to achieving large-scale, permanent carbon removal in the Netherlands.
By signing, RWE confirms its role as one of the driving forces behind the development of negative emissions and a future-proof energy system. The pact marks an important milestone in the Dutch energy transition. Electricity demand is rising rapidly, while the need to meet climate targets is becoming increasingly urgent and security of supply is under pressure. Carbon removal, including through BECCUS technology, is considered by the signatories to be an indispensable pillar for meeting both European climate targets and Dutch system requirements.
Urgency greater than ever
Recent insights from the TenneT Supply Security Monitor show that the Netherlands will face increasing risks to electricity supply from 2030 onwards. At the same time, the European Climate Law calls for substantial emission reductions and structural negative emissions. By signing the pact, RWE emphasizes that the Netherlands can no longer delay the implementation of projects that address both challenges simultaneously: climate neutrality and security of supply.
Marinus Tabak, COO of RWE Generation NL, highlights the urgency of the moment: “Time is up for not acting or acting too late. With this pact, we are demonstrating that we are ready to deliver—but the Netherlands must take action now. Only by accelerating can we realize the projects that strengthen our energy system and make our climate goals achievable.”
Collaboration
The pact brings together companies that want to invest in technologies for permanent carbon removal, such as BECCUS, DACCS, and biogenic storage. The signatories call on the government to quickly provide clarity on policy, financing, and market mechanisms, so that the Netherlands can scale up in time towards 2030 and 2040.