Netherlands increases coal power production amid high gas prices

Coal-fired power plants in the Netherlands have produced 6.9 TWh of energy as of August 14, a figure that matches the total production for the entire year of 2024. This surge in production is driven by high natural gas prices, which have made coal more competitive despite elevated CO2 emission costs.

Increased energy demand and exports are also contributing factors. Specifically, the Netherlands is exporting significant amounts of electricity to Belgium, where two major nuclear reactors are currently undergoing maintenance.

Experts suggest that the increased use of coal allows the Netherlands to reduce its natural gas consumption, potentially saving approximately 60 million cubic meters of gas per week for storage. This trend mirrors the energy dynamics seen during the 2022 gas crisis following the invasion of Ukraine.