# Netherlands coal power production increase > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/netherlands-coal-power-production-increase > Updated: 2026-08-21T01:16:12.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2. Coal-fired power plants in the Netherlands have seen a significant surge in energy production, reaching 6.9 TWh by mid-August. This output is notable as it matches the total production recorded for the entire year of 2024. Several factors are driving this increase. High natural gas prices have made coal more economically competitive, even with elevated CO2 emission costs. Additionally, intermittent renewable sources such as wind and solar have been unable to meet total demand during certain periods. Regional energy needs are also influencing the shift, as Belgium has increased electricity imports from the Netherlands while two of its major nuclear reactors undergo maintenance. Experts indicate that utilizing coal in this manner allows the Netherlands to reduce natural gas consumption by approximately 60 million cubic meters per week, which can then be diverted to storage. This trend mirrors energy dynamics observed during the 2022 gas crisis. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-21: Netherlands increases coal power production amid energy shifts Dutch coal power plants have produced 6.9 TWh by mid-August, matching 2024 annual levels due to high gas prices and Belgian demand for electricity imports during nuclear reactor maintenance. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/netherlands-increases-coal-power-production-amid-energy-shifts ### 2026-08-18: Netherlands increases coal power production amid high gas prices Dutch coal power production has reached 2024's total levels by mid-August, driven by high gas prices and increased electricity exports to Belgium during its nuclear reactor maintenance. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/netherlands-increases-coal-power-production-amid-high-gas-prices --- Cite as: Netherlands coal power production increase. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/netherlands-coal-power-production-increase