We have established a policy on climate change mitigation and adaptation. This policy applies to Enexis Groep as a whole.(ESRS 2 MDR-P 65b) Climate change mitigation means working to limit global warming. And climate change adaptation means all measures that make us more resilient to the effects of a changing climate. Based on our regular climate scenario assessment and CO2-eq footprint, we are refining our strategies to manage the impacts, risks and opportunities of climate change mitigation and adaptation. (ESRS 2 MDR-P 65a). We do this in line with climate objectives and risk mitigation policies.
Our material topics related to the environment focus on sustainable operations and achieving the energy transition. Within these topics, climate change mitigation, climate change adaptation and the introduction of renewable energy into the regional energy system are important components. The key elements of the policy are set out below. (ESRS 2 MDR-P 65a) (ESRS E1-2 par. 24)
Climate change mitigation (ESRS E1-2 par. 25a en MDR-P 65a)
Our core activities enable the energy transition. We have the greatest sustainable impact when we ensure that our networks enable our customers to achieve sustainability. This contributes to a better energy mix, lower greenhouse gas emissions and an energy-neutral Netherlands by 2050. But there is a flip side. Our business activities and use of raw materials result in GHG emissions and thus a negative impact on the climate.
Reducing these GHG emissions requires investments that put pressure on the affordability and feasibility of the energy transition. This is a dilemma. Therefore, we seek a balance between making a difference by making the energy transition affordable and taking responsibility for our own footprint. To encourage the reduction of CO2-eq emissions, we use internal carbon pricing. Our policy aims to minimise environmental impact and seize opportunities:
Electricity grid loss policy (ESRS 2 MDR-P 65a)
During the transmission of electricity, energy is lost due to resistance and heat. In addition to this ‘technical grid loss’, there is also ‘administrative grid loss’: loss due to theft and administrative errors, for instance in measuring energy consumption. We cannot prevent technical grid losses, but we can reduce them. For example, we can use our network as efficiently as possible and choose power cables that cause less loss. However, more or different raw materials are used to produce these cables. We aim to reduce the use of raw materials (see Resource use and Circular economy).
The electricity grid losses are part of scope 2, indirect emissions from our operations.(ESRS 2 MDR-P 65b) In recent years, we have significantly reduced our scope 1 and 2 emissions by purchasing 100% green electricity for our grid losses. To help meet the Dutch climate targets, we buy some of this in the Netherlands. This will increase to 55% by 2030, and if the Dutch climate targets change, we will adjust accordingly regarding the share of our electricity grid losses purchased as green electricity in the Netherlands. (ESRS 2 MDR-P 65d)
Gas leakage loss policy (ESRS 2 MDR-P 65a)
Much of our footprint comprises methane emissions from gas leaks (scope 1). We can reduce but never entirely eliminate these.(ESRS E1-1 par. 16b) (ESRS 2 MDR-P 65b) We have a legal obligation to distribute gas, and there are still many uncertainties in making the energy system gas-free by 2050. We are committed to EU legislation, which means that from 2025 we will be looking for gas leakages more frequently. As a result, we will find and fix gas leakages sooner and reduce our methane emissions. It is also our policy to replace fragile pipes, which we have done in recent years for asbestos and grey cast iron.
Mobility policy (ESRS 2 MDR-P 65a en b)
Since early 2025, our employees can only lease 100% electric cars. We are also gaining experience through pilots and a leadership group to develop an ambitious and feasible scale-up plan to make company cars, vans and heavier equipment more sustainable.
Electricity grid expansion policy(ESRS 2 MDR-P 65a en b)
Our focus is on expanding the electricity grid. We are significantly scaling up and building additional infrastructure. But more is needed: we must speed up implementation. We are doing this by working differently with grid operators, contractors, customers and public authorities. In the National Implementation Agenda,1 we outline how we aim to achieve this acceleration by 2035-2040. (ESRS 2 MDR-P par 65d)
To ensure smooth and expedited permitting processes for expansions, we will engage with communities and residents at an earlier stage.
Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) policy (ESRS E1-2 par. 25c) (ESRS 2 MDR-P 65a en b)
Many of our mid-voltage switchgear installations contain sulphur hexafluoride (SF6). The good insulating and extinguishing properties of this gas contribute to a safe and reliable power supply. However, malfunctions can sometimes cause leakages, releasing this potent greenhouse gas into the atmosphere. Therefore, we only intend to install new SF6-free switchgear from 1 January 2026.
Climate change adaptation (ESRS E1-2 par. 25b en MDR-P 65a)
In the longer term, global warming will increase the risk of flooding, severe droughts, prolonged heat and high wind speeds. Our infrastructure is resilient to these kinds of events. Flooding could potentially lead to power outages for customers. Our climate change adaptation policy aims to prevent this:
High-voltage substations (HVS) that are at risk of flooding are built in partnership with TenneT on an elevated site, behind our own dykes and/or equipped with manually attached bulkheads to keep water out.
Mid-voltage substations (MVS) and low-voltage substations (LVS) are resistant to fresh water; they remain operational even when submerged. In the event of salt water flooding, we switch off equipment as a precaution. Salt water is a good conductor, which significantly increases the risk of short circuits.
Nationwide, the government is taking measures to minimise the risk of large-scale flooding. We are following the government's lead.
If extreme weather conditions do cause power outages, we have a process and incident management organisation in place to restore security of supply.
This policy applies both to our own operations and to (part of) the value chain. (ESRS 2 MDR-P 65b)
Energy efficiency (ESRS E1-2 par. 25c) (ESRS 2 MDR-P 65a)
To improve energy efficiency, we aim to maximise the sustainability of our office and business accommodation. In 2025, we will review our accommodation policy (Location Policy 2030), including policy targets for energy savings, CO2-eq emissions and circularity. In 2026, we will set concrete targets for 2030, 2040 and 2050.
We are committed to the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement for office and business buildings: by 2050, energy consumption should not exceed 70 kWh/m² for offices and 100 kWh/m² for business premises. The current Location Policy 2030 includes the target for all (larger) office and business buildings to achieve energy label A by 2030. Currently, 18 of the 20 larger locations already have this energy label, and 4 already meet the energy consumption requirements of the Climate Agreement.
Renewable energy (ESRS E1-2 par. 25d) (ESRS 2 MDR-P 65a)
In the energy system of the future, sustainable molecules such as collective heat, green gas, and hydrogen will complement electricity. As a grid operator, we play a role in the distribution of renewable energy. We develop visions and roadmaps to facilitate and promote sustainable molecules through (innovative) projects. With our renewable energy policy, we commit ourselves to the national targets for these energy carriers. (ESRS 2 MDR-P 65a en 65b)
For example, we connect wind turbines and solar panels to our grid. In doing so, we are helping to meet the national target set out in the Climate Agreement, which stipulates that by 2030 at least 35 terawatt hours must come from onshore renewable energy production facilities. (ESRS 2 MDR-P par 65d) We are aligning our efforts with this national target and have an important role in helping achieve it. (ESRS 2 MDR-P par 65a)
Our business unit, Enpuls Warmte Infra, (ESRS 2 MDR-P par 65b) focuses on developing, constructing and operating heat networks. Together with our partners, we aim to provide 50,000 additional homes with heat in our service area by 2030. The national target is an increase of 500,000 homes. (ESRS 2 MDR-P par 65a) This all depends on the development of the new Collective Heat Supply Act (Wet collectieve warmtevoorziening, Wcw) and the Municipal Instruments for Heat Transition Act (Wet gemeentelijke instrumenten warmtetransitie, Wgiw).(ESRS 2 MDR-P par 65d) These laws aim to establish the right frameworks: a grid operator may fully participate in a heat company, there must be a reasonable return and a municipality can designate a heat company.
In 2024, around 250 million m3 of green gas was produced in the Netherlands. By 2030, this should be 2 billion m3, according to the Climate Agreement. (ESRS 2 MDR-P par 65d) We are preparing for this growth by investing in, among other things, connections and boosters, enabling local producers to feed their gas into our grid. (ESRS 2 MDR-P par 65a)
Green hydrogen production is still in its infancy. We advocate a regulated role for regional grid operators in the distribution of hydrogen. For now, we align with the hydrogen vision and strategy as agreed with Netbeheer Nederland in 2023. (ESRS 2 MDR-P par 65d) Hydrogen is applicable in many sectors, but we are initially focusing on connecting industry and heavy mobility. Currently, we are carrying out several feasibility studies, which will serve as the foundation for further policy development. (ESRS 2 MDR-P par 65a)