Netherlands sees 19.5% rise in use of geothermal energy in 2018

2018 saw greater use of geothermal energy in the Netherlands, according to data published by the DAGO trade association. 3.6 PJ (petajoule) of geothermal energy was produced last year, resulting in a saving of approximately 102 million m3 of natural gas. This is equal to the gas consumption of 82,000 homes. The increase in geothermal heat is partly due to five new geothermal installations in 2018. In total there are now 20 installations in the Netherlands of which 18 are in production.

The interest in geothermal energy as a renewable energy source is increasing. At present, geothermal energy is only applied in greenhouse horticulture, in which an estimated 4.5% of the heat comes from geothermal energy. The geothermal sector is working hard on upscaling and improvement in order to meet the increasing demand. It is important that regulations are put in order and heat networks are installed. As a result, geothermics can quickly occupy a larger part of the heat supply. On a national level, this can mean a production of 50 PJ in 2030.