Toward integrated energy and materials policies? A case study on CO2 reduction in the Netherlands

Energy and material flows are closely related. The materials system is of major significance from a national energy and CO2 point of view Integrated energy and materials studies can show significant new policy options for energy savings and CO2 emission reduction through materials system improvements, shown in a case study on long-term CO2 emission reduction in the Netherlands, An integrated energy and materials system MARKAL model is used for this analysis. The results show that, on one hand, CO2 emission reduction costs are significantly reduced in the integrated approach and, on the other hand, the materials system is significantly influenced by CO2 emission reduction. Consideration of dynamic interactions results in better understanding of future developments in both energy and materials systems.