Over the last year, from July 2024 to June 2025, the Netherlands has seen a nearly balanced mix of electricity derived from low-carbon and fossil sources, with low-carbon resources contributing slightly more than half (about 52%) and fossil fuels contributing about 48%. Within the low-carbon sector, wind energy stands out, providing approximately 23% of the overall electricity, followed closely by solar energy, which is responsible for about 19%. Biofuels contribute around 6%, while nuclear energy, although playing a smaller role, adds approximately 3% of the electricity. On the fossil side, gas is a major contributor, accounting for over a third of the total electricity at about 35%, whereas coal and oil supply about 10% and 1%, respectively. This blend underscores a diverse energy landscape with substantial clean electricity integration.
Data sources used on this page include Ember, Eurostat, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Netherlands?
Despite a transition towards clean electricity, the current electricity consumption per capita in the Netherlands is not on a growth trajectory. The latest consumption figure is 6760 kWh per person, which marks a notable reduction from the previous high of 7435 kWh recorded in 2008. There is a decrease of 675 kWh per person, illustrating a decline in electricity usage. Likewise, in the realm of low-carbon electricity generation, there is a slight decrease from the 2024 record of 3528 kWh per person to the current 3493 kWh. This drop of 35 kWh indicates stagnation that is concerning given the increasing demand for clean electricity as the world moves towards electrification and sustainability.
Suggestions
To bolster its clean electricity generation, the Netherlands could significantly benefit from expanding wind and solar energy capacities. Drawing inspiration from regions like Denmark and Iowa, where wind energy accounts for 59% and 60% of their electricity respectively, can provide valuable insights into maximizing wind potential. Moreover, embracing nuclear energy, akin to countries such as France and Slovakia, where nuclear provides approximately 70% and 66% of electricity respectively, would substantially strengthen the Netherlands' low-carbon grid. Investing in nuclear facilities and expanding existing solar and wind infrastructure could help counteract fossil dependency and meet rising electricity demands.
History
Historically, the Netherlands has seen varied growth and challenges in low-carbon electricity generation, displaying particular promise in wind and solar sectors recently. The late 2010s and early 2020s witnessed a substantial escalation in clean energy, with wind contributing significantly as seen in 2017 with a 2.4 TWh increase, and further growing in 2020 and 2023 with notable advancements. Solar has mirrored this trajectory, with momentous gains in 2020 and 2022, highlighting calculated advancements. However, setbacks like the decline in nuclear electricity in 1997 by 1.8 TWh and the recent reduction in wind generation in 2025 demonstrate the necessity for consistent investment and development in clean energies to sustain upward momentum and counteract declines, ensuring a greener future.
