Netherlands' natural gas consumption in 2022 hits a 50-year low
In an unprecedented move, the Netherlands witnessed a significant drop in its annual natural gas consumption in 2022, marking a decrease of 22%. This decline, according to recent reports, is primarily attributed to changes in consumer behaviour, energy transition policies, and operational adjustments across various sectors.
One of the key factors driving this reduction was the shift in household heating patterns. Households across the country reduced their gas usage by 2.37 billion cubic meters, likely due to energy-saving measures and the impact of higher gas prices. This change accounted for about 29% of the total reduction in gas consumption.
The Dutch government's energy transition policies and demand reduction measures, in line with the EU's REPowerEU plan and Winter Preparedness Package, also played a significant role. These measures aimed to reduce the country's dependence on natural gas by encouraging energy savings and a shift to renewable electricity or hydrogen.
Industrial sectors, particularly large gas-intensive businesses, also reduced their natural gas consumption by 2.39 billion cubic meters in 2022. This decrease was particularly notable in the oil and chemical industries. The shift was driven by efforts to replace fossil fuels in industrial processes with cleaner alternatives and operational adjustments due to volatile energy markets.
Greenhouse horticulture companies in the Netherlands, which represent nearly 7% of the country's gas consumption, also consumed 30% less natural gas in 2022. This decrease was due to these companies producing their own electricity with a gas engine.
The power sector also saw a 12% decrease in natural gas consumption in 2022. This trend was further reflected in the Netherlands' gas stocks, which were more than twice as high at the end of 2022 compared to the end of 2021, reaching three-quarters full.
The decrease in natural gas consumption among households was primarily attributed to high gas prices in the country due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, according to Statistics Netherlands. Europe, as a whole, is increasingly likely to get through the winter without energy rationing or power cuts, thanks to these efforts.
Interestingly, the Netherlands increased its natural gas imports, including liquefied natural gas, as an alternative to Russian natural gas. Despite this, the country's natural gas consumption in 2022 was the lowest since 1972, at 31 billion cubic meters.
Recent developments in the global energy market show a decline in gas prices on financial markets. Gas prices in the Netherlands are now trading at a level close to that seen in September 2021, offering a glimmer of relief for consumers and businesses alike.
As the world continues to grapple with energy crises and the transition towards renewable energy sources, the Netherlands' success in reducing its natural gas consumption serves as a beacon of hope and a model for other countries to follow.
In the Netherlands, the power sector also experienced a 12% decrease in natural gas consumption in 2022. This decrease in various sectors, including households, industries, and power, was primarily driven by energy-saving measures, operational adjustments, and efforts to replace fossil fuels with cleaner alternatives, as part of the country's energy transition policies. The shift in the power sector was further supported by the increase in the Netherlands' natural gas imports, including liquefied natural gas. Despite this, the country's environmental-science sector is optimistic, as recent developments in the global energy market show a decline in gas prices on finance markets, offering potential relief for consumers and businesses alike.
