Carbon dioxide emissions in the Netherlands in the last quarter of 2016 increased by 7.3 percent compared to the same period in 2015, according to the statement released by Statistics Netherlands (CBS) on Tuesday.
The Dutch economy recorded 2.3 percent growth in the same quarter while rising carbon dioxide emissions were mainly due to increased consumption of natural gas for heating as well as higher electricity production at power stations, the release highlighted.
The Netherlands is the second-largest producer and exporter of natural gas in Europe, following Norway. The Netherlands is home to Europe's largest natural gas trading hub in terms of spot volumes, according to U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).
The country had colder weather conditions in the fourth quarter of 2016 compared to the same period of 2015, and consequently carbon dioxide emissions were 2.7 percent higher than one year previously.
Energy, water and waste management companies are reported to be some of the biggest contributors to higher emissions in the fourth quarter of 2016.
These companies' carbon dioxide emissions increased by 5.5 percent in the fourth quarter compared to the same period in 2015, the release read.
These companies account for around 30 percent of total CO2 emissions, according to the release, but noted that the rise can mainly be attributed to a year-on-year increase in electricity production at power stations, particularly as a result of increased foreign demand.
By Ebru Sengul
Anadolu Agency
ebrusengul@aa.com.tr