As of 2025, the electricity consumption in the Netherlands reflects significant strides towards low-carbon energy sources. More than half of the electricity generated comes from low-carbon sources, with wind and solar at the forefront. Wind energy accounts for an impressive one-third of the total, and solar also makes a significant contribution with almost a fifth. Biofuels and nuclear, although smaller contributors, collectively add close to 8% to the clean energy mix. On the other hand, approximately 48% of electricity generation still relies on fossil fuels, primarily gas, which constitutes over a third of the total electricity, followed by coal and oil with combined figures around a tenth. This landscape highlights the ongoing transition towards cleaner energy, marking a crucial shift but also indicating substantial dependence on fossil fuels persists.
Data sources used on this page include Ember, Eurostat, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Netherlands?
In examining the growth of electricity in the Netherlands, a notable trend emerges. The latest electricity consumption per person is slightly lower than the historic record of 2008. In 2025, the per capita consumption was measured at 7188 kWh, showing a decline from the 7435 kWh/person in 2008. Despite this reduction, there is an encouraging uptick in low-carbon electricity, which reached 3714 kWh per person, climbing from the previous year's record. This shows a positive move towards cleaner electricity generation, but the overall stagnation in total electricity consumption is concerning amidst increasing future demands prompted by further electrification and technological advancements like AI.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, the Netherlands should focus on expanding its wind and solar capabilities, which already significantly contribute to the energy mix. Learning from regions like Denmark, where wind power accounts for 60% of electricity generation, the Netherlands can further exploit its favorable wind conditions. On the nuclear front, valuable insights can be drawn from countries such as France and Slovakia, where nuclear energy provides a substantial share of electricity, representing 67% and 66% respectively. A similar contribution from nuclear energy could significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels, enhancing energy security and sustainability while mitigating climate change impacts.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in the Netherlands reveals persistent efforts to diversify its clean energy portfolio. Notably, the late 20th century saw a decline in nuclear electricity generation, a move deserving of critical reassessment given nuclear's potential as a clean energy powerhouse. The early 21st century witnessed promising developments, especially in biofuels production in 2005 and considerable wind energy expansions in 2015 and 2017. Solar energy experienced rapid growth from 2018 onwards, with significant year-on-year increases, demonstrating its growing role in the clean energy transition. The remarkable contribution of solar and wind energy, particularly evident from 2020 onwards, underscores the country's commitment to expanding its clean energy landscape, though challenges remain in accelerating this growth to meet future demand.
