Renewable energy production considerably higher

The share of renewable energy in total Dutch energy consumption is increasing. In 2004, the share coming from renewable domestic energy sources was 1.8 percent; in 2005, the share had risen to 2.4 percent. The increase is mainly the result of a twofold increase of biomass incineration in power stations.

Share of renewable electricity from domestic energy sources

Considerable increase renewable electricity production

Approximately three quarters of renewable energy is converted into electrical energy. Domestic production of renewable electricity rose from 4.3 percent of total national electricity consumption in 2004 to 6.2 percent in 2005. This increase is also mainly due to an increase in biomass incineration in power stations. Electrical energy produced by the nuclear power station in Borssele accounts for over 3 percent of total Dutch electricity consumption.

Twice as much energy from biomass incineration

In various power stations, technological improvements were implemented to the effect that a larger amount of biomass could be incinerated. This is probably one of the reasons for the increase in biomass incineration. Furthermore, last year’s subsidies were in most cases high enough to cover the extra costs involved in the incineration of biomass instead of natural gas and coal.

Electricity production from biomass incineration

More electricity produced by wind turbines

In spite of the fact that 2005 was less windy, the amount of electricity produced by wind turbines increased by some 10 percent compared to last year, an increase which is almost entirely due to the erection of new wind turbines.

Imports of renewable energy slightly down

Imports of renewable energy fell slightly from 9.1 to 8.7 percent of total electricity use, but still exceed domestic production.

Reinoud Segers