In 2020 the Netherlands was reliant on fossil fuel for energy needs, especially natural gas, however the plan is to bring renewable power up to 70% of the electricity needs of the Netherlands by 2030.
Subsidies and declining costs for renewables (primarily wind and solar) have boosted their use in the Netherlands; renewable energy provided 40% of Dutch electricity production in 2022, up from 12% in 2012 and 4% in 2002.[1]
Production capacities for electricity (billion kWh)
Type
Amount
Fossil fuel
259.72
Wind power
49.81
Biomass
32.32
Solar
25.86
Nuclear
12.55
Total
381.26
Electricity (billion kWh)
Category
Amount
Consumption
109.80
Production
117.52
Import
19.77
Export
22.43
Natural Gas (billion m3)
Consumption
44.75
Produce
32.86
Import
55.77
Export
42.83
Crude Oil (barrels per day)
Consumption
334,050,000
Production
27,780,000
Import
400,220,000
Export
3,210,000
CO2 emissions: 130.32 million tons
Energy plans
The Netherlands has set a target of 70% of electricity from renewable sources (mainly solar and wind power) by 2030.[3]
Transition away from natural gas
To reduce its greenhouse emissions, the government of the Netherlands is subsidizing a transition away from natural gas for all homes in the country by 2050. In Amsterdam, no new residential gas accounts are allowed as of July 1, 2018, and all homes in the city are expected to be converted by 2040.[4]Electric stoves are expected to replace gas stoves.
In the Netherlands, 78% of enterprises have invested in reducing carbon emissions and mitigating the impact of weather disasters as of 2023. Six out of ten (60%) plan to invest in these areas during the next three years. The numbers for 'already invested' and 'intend to invest' above the EU average (56% and 54%, respectively).[6]
Types of Energy Contracts
There are typically three types of energy contracts available in the Netherlands:[7]
Fixed Energy Contract (vast energiecontract): This contract is for a fixed amount of time (one to five years), allowing consumers to lock in their energy rate. While a fixed rate protects against price increases, it also means consumers do not benefit from price drops. Early cancellation typically incurs a fee.
Non-Fixed Energy Contract (variabel energiecontract): This contract is for an indefinite period and can usually be cancelled monthly. Rates are generally fixed for six months but can be adjusted more frequently during energy crises. Consumers may benefit from price drops but are also exposed to price increases.
Dynamic Energy Contract (dynamisch energiecontract / flexible energiecontract): Similar to a non-fixed contract, this type can be cancelled monthly. However, rates vary hourly based on demand and supply. Consumers can save by using energy when prices are low but are also exposed to hourly price increases.
Borssele is the only nuclear power station in the Netherlands and produces around 4 billion kilowatt hours (kWh) per annum, around 10% of electricity used in the Netherlands.[8]
Fossil fuels
Coal
The Netherlands has two coal fired power stations, at Eemshaven and Maasvlakte. They are scheduled to close by 2030.[9]
Natural Gas
The last of the fourteen natural gas power stations were commissioned in 2013. In 2020, 64.2% of the power generated in the Netherlands came from gas-fired thermal power.[9]
In December 2020 the Netherlands had 2,606 wind turbines, they generated 15.3 billion kWh.[10]
By December 2023 the Netherlands will have 4.7 GW of offshore wind farm capacity, which will provide 15.8% of total current electricity demand in the Netherlands.[11]
