The electricity sector in the Netherlands describes electricity in the Netherlands. During 2005–2008 the Netherlands imported 13–15% of electricity. The volume of renewable electricity in 2009 was three times the volume of nuclear power. The majority is produced with fossil fuels. The Netherlands produces and exports natural gas.
Contents
Electricity per person and by power source
In 2008 the Netherlands consumed electricity in average 7,463 kWh/person that was equal to EU15 average (EU15: 7,409 kWh/person).
Coal-based power generation
Operational coal-fired power plants in the Netherlands, 2010.
Use
According to IEA the electricity use (gross production + imports – exports – transmission/distribution losses) in 2008 in the Netherlands was 119 TWh.
In 2009 the Netherlands used 3.9% wind power of electricity (278/7,073) The wind capacity installed at end 2010 will, in a normal wind year, produce 4.1% of electricity, when the equivalent value for Germany is 9.4%, Portugal 14%, and Denmark 39% in 2014.
Direct current (HVDC) submarine power cables to other countries include the 700 MW NorNed to Norway and the 1,000 MW BritNed to the United Kingdom, and a 700 MW cable is planned to Denmark. There are also several alternating current powerlines to Belgium and Germany.
Global warming
Emissions of carbon dioxide in total, per capita in 2007 were 11.1 tons CO2 compared to EU 27 average 7.9 tons CO2. Emission change between 2007/1990 was 16.4% increase. Emissions per capita in the OECD countries exceeded the Netherlands only in Czech Republic 11.8, Finland 12.2, Canada 17.4, Australia 18.8, USA 19.1 and Luxemburg 22.4.