The goal was to find and use a more sustainable energy source to emit less CO2 to meet climate targets.

The government spent 10 billion euros to build 628 biomass plants.

Objections soon arose, people thought it was polluting and wondered where the fuel came from. Wood came from other countries and had to be transported to the Netherlands. Scientists wrote a report showing that it was all not so CO2 neutral. There was also a SER advisory report which said that this was a low-grade application of biomass. Something else had to be done with it such as putting it into recycled materials or building houses or furniture, but not burning it. With the help of subsidies, companies had already built their business on burning biomass.