Over the past year, from September 2024 to August 2025, the Netherlands has been making significant strides in its electricity generation profile. Currently, more than half of its electricity, about 53%, comes from low-carbon sources, reflecting the nation's commitment to cleaner energy. Wind and solar energy contribute almost equally to this share, generating about 23% and 21% respectively. Nuclear energy, while contributing a smaller part of the pie at nearly 3%, plays a crucial role by providing steady and reliable low-carbon electricity. Fossil fuels still make up a substantial portion, with gas contributing around 35% and coal at roughly 9%, underscoring the need for further transition towards cleaner sources.
Is Electricity Growing in Netherlands?
In terms of electricity consumption trends, the Netherlands has experienced a slight decrease in per capita electricity use. The latest consumption stands at 7168 kWh per person, which marks a reduction from the 2008 peak of 7435 kWh per person. This decline by about 267 kWh per person could indicate more efficient energy use or a broader economic factor at play. Encouragingly, low-carbon electricity generation per person has seen an upward trend, rising to 3804 kWh, which is a notable increase from the previous record set in 2024. This progress highlights the country's ongoing efforts to decouple electricity usage from carbon emissions, setting a positive precedent for future development.
Suggestions
To further boost low-carbon electricity generation, the Netherlands has the potential to expand its wind and solar capacity. Learning from regions like Denmark and Iowa, which generate around 57% and 62% of their electricity from wind, respectively, can provide valuable insights. Additionally, exploring nuclear energy further, as demonstrated by France and Slovakia with a remarkable 69% and 64% nuclear electricity contribution, can significantly strengthen the Netherlands' low-carbon portfolio. A strategic focus on enhancing these sectors will not only ensure a cleaner electricity grid but also enable the country to meet the growing electricity demand driven by technological advancements and electrification.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity generation in the Netherlands has witnessed several notable trends. In the early 2000s, biofuels saw modest growth, though it was inconsistent with a decline observed in 2007. The last decade has been remarkable for wind and solar energy with significant developments each year. From 2015 onwards, wind energy grew consistently, peaking with a notable increase of 7.5 TWh in 2023 before a slight decline in 2025. The solar sector, especially, has sustained substantial growth annually, with a striking rise of 6.2 TWh in 2025 alone. While these developments highlight progress, the earlier decline in nuclear energy in 1997 is a reminder of the importance of maintaining and possibly expanding this clean energy source to support a sustainable electricity future.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.