For the first time, over half of the electricity produced in the Netherlands comes from renewable sources such as wind and solar power, according to Statistics

Netherlands (CBS). In the first half of this year, renewable energy production reached 32.3 billion kilowatt hours, accounting for 53% of the country's total electricity generation.

Wind power saw a significant increase, with production rising by one-third to 17.4 billion kilowatt hours. The majority of this growth occurred offshore, largely driven by new wind farms like Hollandse Kust Zuid and Hollandse Kust Noord. Solar energy production also grew, reaching 11.7 billion kilowatt hours, an increase of 0.8 billion. Biomass energy production increased by 16%.

At the same time, electricity production from fossil fuels declined sharply. Coal-based electricity generation dropped by nearly 40%, and natural gas production fell to 21.3 billion kilowatt hours, despite lower natural gas prices and reduced CO2 emissions.

The Netherlands became a net electricity exporter in the first six months of this year, exporting 2.3 billion kilowatt hours more than it imported. While electricity imports rose by 4% during this period, exports decreased by 10%. Exports to Belgium and Germany dropped notably, by 9% and 7% respectively, as both countries increased their imports from France, where nuclear and hydroelectric power production surged.

Electricity consumption in the Netherlands rose by 5% to 55.8 billion kilowatt hours in the first half of 2024, slightly below pre-pandemic levels.