The demolition of the Hemweg Power Plant chimney in Amsterdam is underway, leading to a one-year delay in the retirement of Hans van Kroonenburg, the ‘Sub-project leader Dismantling of the Hemweg Power Plant’ at energy company Vattenfall. The initial plan to demolish the 175-meter-high chimney with an explosion was scrapped due to concerns from surrounding companies and local residents about potential damage, including to high-voltage power lines. Vattenfall opted for a method of “nibbling” the chimney from above using a giant concrete shear, a process expected to last several months.

The closure of the Hemweg Power Plant, once a significant CO2 emitter, reflects a broader trend of phasing out coal-fired power in the Netherlands. The plant’s closure was accelerated by pressure from the climate movement Urgenda, which successfully sued the government to meet its CO2 emission reduction targets. While some experts argue that the closure’s impact on global climate change may be offset by increased electricity imports from countries with less efficient power plants, it did contribute to the Netherlands’ climate budget.

Concerns are rising about potential power shortages as coal-fired plants are phased out and the development of renewable energy sources and nuclear power plants faces delays. Grid operator Tennet has warned of electricity shortages in the coming years, particularly during winter months, prompting calls for the government to take swift action. While some experts believe that closing coal-fired power plants will incentivize investment in renewable energy by creating scarcity prices, others worry about the impact on energy security.

The future of the Hemweg Power Plant site remains uncertain. Vattenfall had initially envisioned a sustainable energy hub, but plans for green hydrogen production, giant batteries, and an electric boiler have yet to materialize. While the company remains committed to a sustainable energy hub, details about its implementation are scarce.