In an update, the Dutch Association of Geothermal Operators (DAGO) reports that the use of geothermal energy increased by 51% in 2019 compared to 2018. 5.6 PJ (PetaJoule) heat was produced in 2019.
This increase is due to the growth in the number of doublets (production and injection well). The new doublets are more robust and have a larger capacity.
At the end of 2019, there were 24 doublets in the Netherlands, 20 of which were in production. The use of geothermal energy in the Netherlands in 2019 saved 168 million cubic meters of natural gas. This is equivalent to a CO2 reduction of 300,000 tons. 15 of the 20 doublets use their maximum availability (85 to 100%).
Geothermal energy is mainly used in greenhouse horticulture. Interest in geothermal energy as a sustainable energy source for heating homes and industry has risen sharply in recent years. It is important in this respect that the policy for this is more in line with suitable stimulation options and that heat networks become available.
