The Netherlands ‘unquestionable solar energy leader’ of 2022: study

(EurActiv, 31 Jan 2023) The Netherlands had the highest share of solar power in its electricity mix of any EU country last year, according to the European Electricity Review report by energy think-tank Ember.

The Netherlands has seen a huge increase of solar power in its electricity mix, moving from 1% in 2015 to 14% in 2022.

Overall, solar produced 7.3% of the EU’s power in 2022. Germany was the biggest generator while the Netherlands boasted the highest percentage in its electricity mix, one percentage point ahead of Greece and Hungary and two percentage points ahead of Spain.

“The Netherlands was the unquestionable solar energy leader of 2022, generating 14% of its electricity from the sun and surpassing previous leader Spain, typically a much sunnier country, by two percentage points (12%),” the report reads.

Last year, energy grid operators saw historic growth in the number of solar panels on residential roofs in 2022 across the Netherlands. The country added 1.8 gigawatts (GW) of rooftop solar capacity, 38% more than in 2021.

Alongside this, a million consumers are now taking part in energy cooperatives, further boosting power production from the sun.

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EurActiv, 31 Jan 2023: The Netherlands ‘unquestionable solar energy leader’ of 2022: study