Comments on Nationaal Plan Energiesysteem or National Energy System Plan (NPE): For the Mining Council or De Mijnraad

The National Energy Systems Plan (hereinafter referred to as "NPE") is a long-term vision document that aims to provide a holistic overview of the state-of-the-art, potential issues and hurdles, guiding choices and development direction for attaining the goal of climate-neutrality or net-zero by 2050. The plan enumerates the contributions needed from the national government and local (municipal and provincial) authorities to attain the climate goals. Additionally, it contextualises policy choices for citizens and entrepreneurs, providing them with opportunities to make informed choices on energy-related matters.

This review of NEP is undertaken on behalf of the Mining Council or De Mijnraad and, hence, focuses on exploring specific issues relevant to the Council. This review showcases preliminary concerns regarding the development of mining activities, interaction between energy activities, interactions between the activities above and below the ground, and coordination mechanism needs to be addressed in greater depth.