Share of renewable energy in final energy consumption in the Netherlands 2006-2021

From 2006 to 2021, the share of energy derived from renewable sources in the final consumption increased in the Netherlands. In 2006, under three percent of the energy consumed in the Netherlands originated from renewable sources. By 2021, this figure increased to 13 percent. To this day, the most consumed form of energy in the Netherlands derived from unsustainable resources such as oil and natural gas.

The European-Union goal for 2020

By 2020, the European-Union aims for renewable energy to account for 20 percent of all energy consumed. EU member states have different goals, as not all of them are on the same level when it comes to renewable energy consumption and production. The target set for the Netherlands was that the total domestic energy consumption derived from renewable energy would reach 11 percent. To this day, the Netherlands was one of the European countries with the lowest energy consumption derived from renewable sources. In 2018, the most recent available data, the country stood at 7.38 percent. Therefore, the Netherlands should further increase their use of renewable energy.

The renewable energy sector in the Netherlands

With the increase of renewable energy consumption and production, the renewable sector in the Netherlands was a promising one. For instance, employment in the Dutch photovoltaic industry notably doubled from 2017 to 2018, reaching over 14 thousand employees. Ultimately, in response to the global concern for sustainable actions, renewable energies have yet to further develop.