The Netherlands Generates Much More Solar Power Than Canada. Here’s How They Do It

Solar energy is currently the cheapest option among new sources of electricity (new window) in most of the world, and the Dutch are part of that.

The Netherlands is known for its sparse rainfall, numerous waterways and intensively used farmland, so it took some ingenuity to get this small country to the top of the continent’s solar pyramid.

One in three houses (new window) has solar panels on its roofs, commercial ventures occupy space on waterways and even on old landfills (new window) find a second life as energy generators.

I want to be a myth buster, says Kahya Engler, European solar strategist, when asked about the financial burden of switching to solar energy. The costs of investing in solar energy have dropped significantly.

She has been working to promote renewable technologies for almost two decades. Her latest venture is working with Dutch commercial roofing leader Sunrock, helping it expand its operations in Europe.

For her, the matter is simple.

We all have daylight, and solar panels work in daylight, he says from the Sunrock office in Amsterdam, where even the interior design pays tribute to the sun.

We are ready to go.

But the key to continued growth, Engler says, is consistent government policies that encourage the use of solar energy — something that has failed in Canada and could be at risk in Europe as well.

Solar revolution

According to the latest investment report by the International Energy Agency, investment in the 70-year-old renewable technology is now greater than investment in all other energy technologies combined (new window)published this month.

While Canada lags behind in solar energy (new window) In many places, including Germany, China, Japan and even the United States, rapid action is being taken to implement this technology.

In fact, on some days, so much energy is being produced in some places that the purchase price of it drops below zero, raising concerns about storage capacity (new window) due to its abundant power source.

Financial support sets global commitment to triple renewable energy capacity (new window) Some analysts say this will be possible by 2030.

Even if the transition is driven solely by economic factors, without any additional political factors to help, renewables could still exceed 50 percent of electricity generation by the end of this decade, BloombergNEF’s 2024 report presents forecasts for new energy sources.

Global solar energy generation has increased twelvefold over the past decade (new window)but some countries buy more than others.

While Germany (new window)The Netherlands has the largest solar energy production capacity in Europe, and is currently led by the Netherlands, which is the leader in solar energy production per capita.

The Netherlands is embracing solar energy

Solar energy currently accounts for over 16.6 percent. (new window)electricity generation in the country, which places the figure well above Canada’s 1.1 per cent and the global average of 5.5 per cent.

Renewable energy has of course been a big topic in Europe since 2000, but the Netherlands was a relatively slow start, says Engler. It has grown really, really fast.

Sunrock specialises in commercial rooftop solar installations and has rapidly expanded across Europe since its founding as a small startup in 2012. The market leader now employs over 160 people and has over five million square metres of operational photovoltaic (solar panel) systems.

Project manager Bart Meij says it is an easy idea to use empty roofs, which offer building owners an untapped source of income.

(The property owner) can rent out their roof and we can put solar panels on it. Win, win, says Meij. Indoor storage, green energy on the roof. Double use, which is better than single use.

Each project takes several months to prepare and several weeks to install before it starts supplying energy to the grid.

Solar energy can be built very quickly compared to many other energy sources, says Sara Hastings-Simon, an energy systems researcher at the University of Calgary.

This was particularly important when the war broke out in Ukraine, he says, and exposed Europe’s weakness, which is its dependence on Russian gas.

Canada lags behind in solar power generation

In Canada, where traditional energy sources have not been affected by the conflict, solar energy has not seen as much growth, accounting for just over one per cent of electricity generation.

Hastings-Simon also notes that a significant portion of Canada’s energy mix comes from hydroelectricity, which is a low-emission source.

However, this compares with investment in fossil fuels, which the International Energy Agency estimates will see demand peak by the end of the decade. (new window) — Investment in solar energy remains low.

And the change in provincial policy in Ontario (new window) Alberta, and the region in particular, has been deterred by both domestic and international investment over the past decade, solar industry experts say.

There is no denying that recently in Canada (renewable energy sources) have become more politicized, says Hastings-Simon.

Alberta is expected to see three-quarters of Canada’s wind and solar investments in 2022, according to the Canadian government, but the province has imposed a six-month moratorium (new window) on new renewable energy projects last summer, followed by new regulations (new window) after the moratorium was lifted in February.

Critics say the rules continue to hamper economic growth.

I think it is safe to say that the policies being implemented will have an impact and slow down investment in solar energy, says Hastings-Simon.

Policy change causes business instability

Engler fears that policy changes in Europe could slow down transformation there as well.

National elections and the vote on the European Union last month gave strength to populist voices (new window) on the continent, questioning the future of Europe’s flagship climate policy known as the European Green Deal.

There is of course a risk that this progress… could slow down, which will of course have consequences for us as a business, but also for climate change, Engler said. It is very important that the vision has continuity.

He claims that consistency and self-confidence foster ambition.

The more positive the regulations are, the faster we will be able to turn these plans into reality.

SEE | Changing populist sentiment in Europe could slow climate progress:

EU Parliament could shift right as elections begin

The next European Union parliament and policy could be shaped by far-right parties that are expected to win elections in the next four days. Climate change and immigration are among the key issues, including in the Netherlands, where voting has already begun.

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