The energy transition involves a shift from a fossil fuel-based system to one based on renewable energy. This is a major challenge, including for the transport sector. A rapidly changing geopolitical landscape means that, besides climate, other objectives, such as energy security, strategic autonomy, competitiveness and affordability, are becoming increasingly important, creating a complex puzzle. 
Due to technological uncertainties and trade-offs between certain objectives, adaptive policy will be necessary: we must be able to adjust our approach. Electrification is often the most efficient and cost-effective solution where possible, but the majority of energy demand in the Netherlands will still be met by fuels in 2050. For all modes of transport, the transition will not happen by itself: policy support will be needed to ensure a successful transition.

With the cooperation of Roselien Steur (essay design)

Co-authors of the background report: Pierpaolo Cazzola (ETERC) and Oscar Dijkstra (RVO) 
Contributors to the background report: Stefan Verduin (KiM), Paul Sinnige (RVO), Suzan Reitsma (RVO) and Hielke Schurer (RVO)