More electricity generated to meet higher foreign demand

After a 3-year period of decline, the production of electrical energy increased by 2 percent last year to 103 billion kWh. According to Statistics Netherlands (CBS), the increase is predominantly due to higher foreign demand.

In 2014, electricity exports reached a record high with an increase of 21 percent compared to 2013. Exports to Belgium and England rose noticeably. The higher demand from Belgium was mainly caused by the shutdown of nuclear reactors.

Generation of electricity by energy source
 

Generation of electricity from fossil fuels

Last year, more than 29 billion kWh were generated in coal-fired power stations, i.e. an increase by 20 percent relative to 2013. The opening of new coal-fired power stations and lower coal prices contributed to the increase.

The share of electricity generated in coal-fired power stations has reached the highest level since 1991, the first year that data were available.

Imports and exports of electricity
 

The generation of electricity from natural gas declined for the fourth year running in 2014 and fell to more than 49 billion kWh, the lowest level since 1998.

Total electricity production from fossil fuels has grown by 1 percent to 83 billion kWh. The share of electricity generated from fossil fuels amounted to 81.4 percent of total electricity production in 2014, just below the level reached in 2013.

More electricity generated from nuclear energy, less from biomass

Electricity generated in nuclear energy facilities rose by 1 billion kWh to 4 billion kWh in 2014. The nuclear reactor in Borssele was out of service for more than two months in 2013 during a repair and maintenance shutdown. As a result, the amount of electricity generated from nuclear energy was lower than in other years.

Generation of electricity from renewable sources fell in 2014 from 12.2 billion kWh in 2013 to 11.6 billion kWh in 2014. The generation of electricity from biomass slumped by 16 percent.

Last year, renewable electricity contributed 11.4 percent to total electricity production in the Netherlands, versus 12.1 percent in 2013.