Dutch produce more green electricity but target still a long way off

dutch wind turbines

subscribe

AMSTERDAM -

The Netherlands is generating more electricity from sustainable sources but is still far from reaching its targets, the national statistics office CBS said on Friday.

In total, the Netherlands produced 17 billion kilowatts of green energy last year, a rise of 10% on 2016. Sustainable sources now account for 13.8 per cent of energy generation.

The biggest growth was in wind energy – up 16 per cent to 9.6 billion kWh – or the equivalent of energy for three million households. Wind energy now accounts for 60 per cent of green Dutch power. The amount of solar power, which accounts for 34% of green energy production, rose almost 13 per cent.

In January, European statistics agency Eurostat said the Netherlands is near the bottom of a new table on renewable energy use in Europe. The EU has a target of a fifth of all energy use from green sources by 2020 and – while some countries have reached their own targets – the Dutch, French and Irish need to increase their rates by at least 6%, Eurostat said.

Related News

hydro one logo

Hydro One wants to spend another $6-million to redesign bills

TORONTO - Ontario's largest and recently privatized electricity utility has spent $9-million to redesign bills and is proposing to spend an additional $6-million on the project.

Hydro One has come under fire for spending since the Liberal government sold more than half of the company, notably for its CEO's $4.5-million pay.

Now, the NDP is raising concerns with the $15-million bill redesign expense contained in a rate application from the formerly public utility.

"I don't think the problem we face is a bill that people can't understand, I think the problem is rates that are too high," said energy critic Peter Tabuns. "Fifteen…

READ MORE
solar power panels

Electricity distributors warn excess solar power in network could cause blackouts, damage infrastructure

READ MORE

wind power in Nebraska

Why power companies should be investing in carbon-free electricity

READ MORE

Power Co-Op Gets Bond Rating Upgrade After Exiting Kemper Deal

READ MORE

trudeau environment

Canada could be electric, connected and clean — if it chooses

READ MORE