Renewable energy

Renewable energy is generated from natural resources like wind, water, the sun, the environment and incineration of biomass. Renewable energy is available as electricity, heat and gas. Due to the use of renewable energy sources, the amount of energy generated by traditional, fossil energy sources like natural gas, petroleum and coal can be lower.

The amount of renewable energy generated is calculated according to the Protocol Monitoring Renewable Energy (SenterNovem, 2006). For national purposes, renewable energy is expressed in the amount of primary fossil energy which can be avoided due to the use of renewable sources

Imports of green electricity are not included in renewable energy consumption, because there is no agreement on the calculation method. Countries exporting green electricity do not subtract the same amount of renewable energy from their own renewable energy consumption.

Last year, the European Union committed itself to raise the share of renewable energy to 20 percent in 2020. The targets vary from country to country. The target for the Netherlands is set at 14 percent. There are differences between the European and national calculation methods.