Dutch energy companies are burning more coal than ever, despite efforts to produce more green and sustainable energy, according to research by news agency De Persdienst.

It says coal-fired power stations in the Netherlands used over seven million kilos of coal in the first nine months of last year, a 15% increase on 2013 and a 36% increase on 2012.

Coal is considered the dirtiest form of energy production and European policy is to reduce the amount of coal used in power stations. One reason for the increased use of coal is the low price.

The Dutch government’s aim to ensure 14% of Dutch energy is produced using sustainable methods by 2020 will be impossible to achieve, according to a damning report by several leading advisory bodies in October last year.

Green energy currently accounts for around 5% of Dutch energy production.