More electricity generated in 2007

After two years of decline, electricity generation increased by over 6 percent in 2007 relative to 2006, reaching a new record high of 105 billion kilowatt hours (kWh).

Electricity generation

Increase in centralised production of electricity

Last year, 105 billion kWh of electricity was generated in the Netherlands, as against 99 billion kWh in 2006. Large power stations accounted for the bulk of the increase. The amount of electricity generated in large power stations grew by 5 percent to 70 billion kWh.

Centralised production of electricity

Generation in conventional installations increased considerably 2007 by 10 percent to 42 billion kWh. At the same time, generation in combined heat and power (CHP) stations declined for the second consecutive year. The overall heat supply to district heating systems was reduced due to the mild weather conditions in 2006 and 2007.

Current capacity horticulture under glass

Sharp rise in electricity generated in horticulture under glass

In horticulture under glass, 7 billion kWh of electricity was generated in 2007, an increase by approximately 60 percent relative to 2006.
The increase is attributable to an extreme increase in CHP capacity in horticulture under glass. The capacity doubled within two years to nearly 2,500 Megawatt by the end of 2007, corresponding to more than 10 percent of the overall capacity in the Netherlands.

The growth is partly caused by rising electricity prices in recent years. Apart from electricity generation for the cultivation of vegetables, it is more profitable to sell electricity.

Bart van Wezel and Jan Kloots