Dutch Electricity Exports Surge to Record High in 2025

The Netherlands saw a significant increase in its electricity exports in 2025, reaching a record 30 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh), a nearly 25 percent rise compared to the previous year, according to Statistics Netherlands (CBS). This surge was primarily driven by increased demand from neighboring countries, Germany and Belgium, due to specific challenges in their own energy production.

Factors Driving Increased Exports

CBS data indicates that reduced wind power generation off the German coast, coupled with lower electricity production in Switzerland and Austria due to diminished water levels, fueled higher exports to Germany. Simultaneously, lower output from Belgian nuclear power plants led to increased electricity imports from the Netherlands.

Domestic Production and Consumption Trends

Alongside the export boom, Dutch electricity imports decreased by 19 percent in 2025. CBS attributes this to a greater reliance on domestic electricity production, noting that total electricity consumption within the Netherlands is experiencing minimal growth.

Record Electricity Generation in the Netherlands

Energy companies and other producers in the Netherlands generated a total of 132 billion kWh of electricity in 2025 – the highest level ever recorded. Renewable energy sources accounted for 49 percent of this total production, becoming the largest single source of electricity generation in the country. However, electricity generation from fossil fuels similarly increased by 14 percent year-on-year, contributing 48 percent to the overall production mix.

Looking Ahead

The Netherlands’ increasing role as an electricity exporter highlights the evolving dynamics of the European energy market. Continued investment in renewable energy sources and efficient energy infrastructure will be crucial for maintaining this position and supporting the broader transition to a sustainable energy future.