First calculated: investments in energy transition at least €25 billion in 2023

Achieving a climate-neutral energy system requires substantial investments. A preliminary study for the year 2023 by SEO Economisch Onderzoek, commissioned by the Dutch Association of Sustainable Energy (NVDE), Rabobank, Alliander, Gasunie, and Invest-NL, indicates that at least €25 billion has been invested in sustainability. Although these efforts are promising, there remains uncertainty about the total investment challenge. Improved monitoring is essential to obtain a comprehensive picture of the investments needed to reach a climate-neutral Netherlands by 2050.

As the national financing and development agency, Invest-NL is working on making the energy transition financeable. This research provides valuable insights into where investments are occurring and which sectors require additional attention. Understanding the investment challenge helps to focus investments on sectors and technologies that are crucial for the energy transition.

From the Energy Transition Investment Monitor 2023 it appears that at least €25 billion was invested in sustainability in 2023. Companies account for the majority with €14 billion, followed by grid operators (€7 billion) and households (€4 billion). Although this amount roughly aligns with current estimates of what will be needed until 2025, the study shows that many uncertainties remain and the method can be further improved. The current monitoring mainly focuses on government-stimulated investments. This provides an incomplete picture, especially since sustainable investments are increasingly occurring without subsidies.

The investment monitor is an important step towards making investment flows in the energy transition transparent. Reliable and detailed monitoring helps to identify the right investment opportunities and guide policy and collaboration. In this way, we contribute to the long-term success of the energy transition.