Netherlands onshore wind expansion hits lowest growth since 2017

The Dutch Enterprise Agency (RVO) reported that onshore wind capacity growth in the Netherlands fell to its lowest level since 2017. In 2023 only 96 MW of new capacity was added, the smallest increase in six years, with 29 new turbines installed and 20 older units dismantled. The total onshore turbine fleet is expected to reach about 2,550 units with a combined capacity of over 7,000 MW by the end of 2025, and roughly 1,700 MW of projects remain in the pipeline.

RVO cited uncertainty, the lack of updated nationwide environmental standards, and grid congestion as key factors slowing new developments. Some wind farms face delays in connecting to an overloaded electricity network, and the removal of older, smaller turbines—scheduled for replacement in 2026—will reduce total generation this year. Regional capacity varies, with Flevoland, Groningen and Friesland holding the highest installed capacity, while Utrecht and Overijssel have the lowest but many projects under preparation.

A RVO spokesperson said, "Deze onzekerheid zorgt voor vertraging bij de ontwikkeling van nieuwe projecten," meaning the uncertainty is causing delays in new project development.