Netherlands ranks among world’s top 10 for energy transition progress

Netherlands climbs to 8th in global energy transition ranking

The World Economic Forum’s Fostering Effective Energy Transition 2025 report is out, and the Netherlands is in the top 10, landing at 8th position overall. According to the report, the country’s substantial investment in smart grid modernisation, hydrogen-ready networks, and offshore wind capacity has positioned it as a European frontrunner in the energy transition. 

This year’s report highlights the Netherlands’ strong transmission infrastructure and the government’s decisive moves to reduce reliance on gas imports. A sharp rise in clean energy investments, such as Carbon Equity and SET ventures, among others, has further strengthened the nation's transition performance, positioning it among the global top 10 for the first time in several years. The report also mentions that the top five transition readiness leaders (a subcategory) in 2025 (from highest to lowest) are Sweden, the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, and China.

Looking ahead, challenges remain in tackling grid congestion, scaling up hydrogen infrastructure, and refining the regulatory framework. However, the Netherlands’ current trajectory, built on digitalised energy systems and regional coordination, suggests it is well placed to accelerate its clean energy ambitions in the years to come.

What is Amsterdam’s role in the energy transition?

Amsterdam is playing a pivotal role within this national effort. The city has become a hub for cleantech, smart mobility solutions, and large-scale hydrogen projects. Local pilots in smart grid technology and integrated energy systems are supporting the city’s climate ambitions while feeding into wider national and European infrastructure projects. 

Amsterdam demonstrates its strengths by hosting and piloting much of this architecture, which spans cleantech, mobility, and energy innovation. Locals on the ground accelerating innovation include Source.ag, which is harnessing AI for glasshouse crop yields; Watermeln, green hydrogen experts; Cradle, a biotech company that uses AI to create proteins; and Chapter, AI-powered support built for the energy sector. 

Read more about the climate tech and energy landscape in Amsterdam