Electricity in Netherlands in 2023/2024

Over the past year, specifically from December 2023 to November 2024, the Netherlands has seen a significant shift in its electricity consumption towards low-carbon sources. Currently, more than half of the electricity generated comes from low-carbon sources, amounting to approximately 53.5%. This is predominantly contributed by wind (27.5%) and solar (18.0%), which are playing crucial roles in the country's transition to greener energy. Meanwhile, nuclear energy, despite its high potential, constitutes a smaller portion at 2.8%, with biofuels also adding close to 5%. Fossil fuels continue to supply a significant share of electricity at 46.2%, with natural gas being the chief contributor at 35.4%, followed by coal at 8.5%. These fossil fuel sources, while essential for meeting immediate energy demands, pose challenges such as climate change and air pollution, underscoring the need for a sustainable shift.

Suggestions

To further bolster low-carbon electricity generation, the Netherlands has ample opportunity to expand its wind and solar capacity, which are already pivotal to its clean energy strategy. Emulating successful practices from neighboring Denmark, which generates 59% of its electricity from wind, could significantly increase the Netherlands' wind energy contribution. Moreover, integrating lessons from nuclear-strong countries like France, where 68% of electricity is derived from nuclear power, could be transformative. With several European countries like Belgium and Finland leveraging nuclear power to cover a substantial portion of their electricity needs, the Netherlands should also focus on investing in nuclear energy infrastructure, which provides reliable and low-emission electricity.

History

Historically, the path of low-carbon electricity in the Netherlands reveals concerted efforts with noteworthy progress, particularly in the past few decades. Biofuels gained attention in the 2000s, with a notable increment of 1.9 TWh in 2005; however, its net growth has since been inconsistent. The significant achievements have been in wind and solar energy, with wind seeing substantial increases in the late 2010s and early 2020s, marked by increments like 7.5 TWh in 2023 and solar consistently adding to the grid with 2022 recording an impressive 5.8 TWh increase. The expansion of wind and solar has been instrumental in the Netherlands' clean energy strategy, even as nuclear power experienced sporadic declines in the late 1990s. While the potential for nuclear energy to contribute significantly remains high, the Netherlands' history calls for renewed commitment to scaling nuclear production, in line with global trends, to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and achieve a sustainable future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources