Household energy use per capita in the Netherlands, 1950-1999
| 1950 | 1960 | 1970 | 1980 | 1990 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | |
| GJ/per capita | ||||||||
| Total | 17.6 | 16.7 | 26.6 | 42.7 | 36.3 | 35.5 | 34.8 | 35.3 |
| Gas (corrected for temperature) | 2.9 | 3.8 | 14.3 | 28.8 | 25.5 | 24.1 | 22.9 | 23.5 |
| Electricity1) | 3.2 | 3.7 | 7.0 | 10.0 | 9.8 | 10.7 | 11.1 | 11.1 |
| Other (excl. petrol) | 11.6 | 9.2 | 5.3 | 3.8 | 1.1 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 0.6 |
| Source: CBS/RIVM. | RIVM/EDC/Oct02 | |||||||
| 1) Figures represent the use of gas, coal and oil for electricity generation. | ||||||||
Developments in electricity use
In 1999, electricity use per capita in the Netherlands was approximately five times higher than in 1950. This increase is partially compensated for by more efficient power generation by the power stations (from 25% in 1950 to 43% in 1999). As a result there was only a threefold increase in the amount of primary energy needed to generate electricity in the same period. This figure remained stable in 1999.
Developments in natural gas use
Between 1965 and 1975, natural gas use per capita (corrected for the average annual temperature) rose extremely rapidly. From the early 1980s onwards, use decreased as a result of energy-saving measures such as insulation and the installation of HE boilers. In 1999, gas use increased slightly (by 3%) for the first time in many years.
References
- Vringer. K. and K. Blok (2000). Long term trends in direct and indirect household energy intensities: a factor in dematerialisation? Energy Policy 28 (2000). pp. 713-727.
- CBS (2002). Statline. Energy balance sheet, domestic energy use. Statistics Netherlands, Voorburg/Heerlen.
