Solar energy consumption almost doubled

The consumption of solar energy (electricity and heat) increased by no less than 2018% in 40. In addition, energy consumption from renewable sources increased again last year. This is evident from new figures from Statistics Netherlands (CBS).

Statistics Netherlands announces that energy consumption from renewable sources in 2018 amounted to 7,4% of total energy consumption. In 2017 this figure was still at 6,6%† According to the CBS, the increase is mainly caused by a higher consumption of biomass, especially in the form of biodiesel and biogasoline.

Solar energy very popular
The energy consumption from solar energy has increased enormously last year, by 40% to 13 petajoules. In addition, the installed capacity of solar panels is also solar power increased significantly in 2018. This increased by a record amount from more than 1.500 megawatts to 4.400 megawatts in 2018.

Not only has the consumption of solar energy increased, more wind energy has also been used. Consumption from this has increased by 4% to 36 petajoules. The installed capacity of wind turbines last year was 4.400 megawatts, compared to 1 megawatts 4.200 year earlier. The figures also show that a total of 48 windmills have been added on land.

Biomass largest source
The largest source of renewable energy in 2018 is biomass (61%). Consumption from this source increased by 13% last year, compared to 2017. In particular, the consumption of biodiesel and biogasoline increased considerably. According to Statistics Netherlands, this is mainly due to the tightening of legislation and regulations in this area. Another reason for this growth is the fact that the coal-fired power stations have started co-firing 33% more biomass. 

Kimberly Baker

Kimberly Bakker is an all-round editor at Boerenbusiness. She also has an eye for the social media channels of Boerenbusiness.

k.baker @boerenbusiness. Nl

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