In a landmark shift towards sustainable energy, renewable sources in the Netherlands have generated more electricity than fossil fuels for the first time during the first half of 2024, according to data released by the Dutch statistics agency CBS. This development is seen as crucial for the Dutch government's goal of reducing national greenhouse gas emissions by 49% by 2030, alongside the broader European target of a 55% emissions reduction compared to 1990 levels.
Renewable energy, largely driven by wind and solar power, accounted for 53% of the Netherlands' electricity production, amounting to 32.3 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh). Wind energy was a particularly significant contributor, with production increasing by 4.4 billion kWh to reach a total of 17.4 billion kWh. This surge is attributed to the expansion of offshore wind farms and upgrades to onshore facilities.
In contrast, electricity generation from coal dropped to just 3.9 billion kWh. CBS noted that coal-fired power plants struggled to remain competitive as cheaper electricity from renewable sources flooded the market.
