In examining the electricity consumption in the Netherlands for the period from July 2024 to June 2025, more than half of the electricity—approximately 52%—comes from low-carbon sources. Wind and solar are significant contributors, generating close to a quarter (23.39%) and almost a fifth (19.44%) of the electricity, respectively. Biofuels and nuclear account for smaller portions, producing around 6% and 3%. Fossil energy sources, particularly gas, dominate a significant remaining portion, supplying more than a third (35.16%) of the electricity. Despite coal and oil having relatively smaller shares, at about 10% and 1%, fossil fuels collectively account for approximately 48% of the electricity, highlighting ongoing reliance on carbon-intensive sources.
Data sources used on this page include Ember, Eurostat, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Netherlands?
The state of electricity consumption growth in the Netherlands shows a downturn. The current average consumption per person, at 6760 kWh, falls short of the 2008 historical peak of 7435 kWh per person, marking a substantial decrease of 675 kWh. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation is on a slight decline too, as the recent per-person low-carbon generation dropped to 3493 kWh from the 2024 peak of 3528 kWh, a decrement of 35 kWh. This stagnation or decrease in total and low-carbon electricity generation is concerning given the increasing demand for electricity driven by widespread electrification and advancements in technology like AI.
Suggestions
To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, the Netherlands should focus on expanding its wind and solar capacity, as these sources are already well-established and substantial producers in the country. By drawing inspiration from leading regions with significant low-carbon electricity shares, Netherlands can improve its strategies. Denmark sets a strong example with 55% of its electricity coming from wind, while New Mexico also reflects the viability of wind energy with 38% electricity from this source. For nuclear, insights from France and Slovakia, where nuclear contributes around two-thirds of the electricity, could guide the Netherlands to explore further nuclear development, achieving a balanced mix of low-carbon sources to decrease reliance on fossil fuels, and thereby combat climate change and improve air quality.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in the Netherlands reveals notable episodes of growth, particularly in recent years. Since 2015, the country has seen substantial expansion in wind energy, highlighted by significant increases such as 3.8 TWh in 2020, 2.6 TWh in 2021, and 8 TWh in 2023. Solar power has also made remarkable advancements, particularly in 2022 and 2023, with additions of 6.2 TWh and 2.3 TWh, respectively. The progression of biofuels has been more fluctuating, with major upticks in 2005 and 2020, yet a decline in 2023. In contrast, the retreat from nuclear in 1997 remains a critical historical event, reflecting a missed opportunity for establishing a firmer low-carbon foundation. Redirecting focus towards expanding wind, solar, and exploring nuclear options could form a resilient mix to meet future electricity demands effectively.
