Netherlands Sees Rise in Fossil Fuel Electricity Generation After Years of Decline

After a sustained period of reduction, electricity production from fossil fuels in the Netherlands increased in 2025, reaching a record 132 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh), approximately 10 percent higher than in 2024, according to Statistics Netherlands. This shift occurred alongside continued growth in renewable energy sources, particularly solar power.

Renewable Energy Gains and Overall Production

Renewable sources accounted for 49 percent of the Netherlands’ total energy production in 2025, whereas fossil fuels contributed 48 percent. The remaining portion came from nuclear energy and other sources. Electricity generated from fossil fuels rose by 14 percent compared to the previous year, driven primarily by increased use of coal and natural gas.

Long-Term Trends: Coal Decline, Renewables Surge

Despite the recent increase, coal usage for electricity generation has significantly decreased over the long term. Compared to 2015, electricity production from coal has fallen by approximately 70 percent. Conversely, renewable energy production has increased almost fivefold during the same period.

Solar Power Leads Renewable Growth

In 2025, solar power generation increased by 17 percent compared to 2024, largely attributed to an exceptionally sunny year. Solar power output is now over 20 times greater than it was a decade ago. Biomass likewise contributed to the increase in renewable energy production.

Increased Electricity Production and Export

Total electricity production in the Netherlands in 2025 was approximately 25 percent higher than in 2015, fueled by growing demand from neighboring countries. This led to increased electricity exports and reduced imports.

Dutch Energy Transition and Future Outlook

The Netherlands is actively pursuing an energy transition to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, aiming for a 55% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels and 95% by 2050, as outlined in the Netherlands Country Commercial Guide. In 2024, the energy mix consisted of oil (39%), natural gas (37%), biomass (6.7%), wind (6.4%), and solar (4.3%).

Recent Shifts in Renewable Leadership

For the first time in 2024, renewable sources generated over half of the electricity produced in the Netherlands, with solar and wind accounting for 45% of the mix, according to Our World in Data. This represents a significant change from 2018, when fossil fuels comprised over 80% of the electricity supply.

In 2025, solar and wind power surpassed fossil fuels in electricity generation across the European Union, accounting for just over 30% of total production.