Powering the future: Amsterdam’s rise as a renewable energy hub

Early steps towards alternative energy

Amsterdam's journey to becoming a renewable energy hub has long been guided by forward-thinking policies and ambitious goals. In the 1980s, the vision began to take concrete shape with the creation of policies brought on by a growing recognition for the long-term challenges associated with environmental pollution and climate change. 

The establishment of the National Environmental Policy Plan (NEPP) in 1989 marked a key moment for the country’s sustainable development - emphasising the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the promotion of renewable energy. As part of this, a number of resources were allocated to the development of wind and solar energy projects, like the first experimental wind turbines and solar panel installations. Although early iterations, these projects importantly demonstrated the potential renewable energy sources could bring and set the stage for much larger and ambitious projects to come.

Harnessing nature’s forces: wind and solar power

Amsterdam's association with wind power dates back centuries, rooted in the iconic windmills that dot the Dutch landscape. These early mills, such as De Gooyer (1814) and De Otter (1631), were essential mechanical power sources and laid the groundwork for the city's later embrace of wind energy as a vital renewable resource.

Since then, Amsterdam has capitalised on this legacy by investing in wind turbine technology and the city's renewable energy transition took a significant leap in the early 21st century with the development of large-scale wind farms, exemplified by the The Noordzeewind project, a huge facility providing substantial power to the national grid, but also serving as a model for future wind projects. Which include the Egmond aan Zee offshore wind farm. These wind farms harness the power of the North Sea winds, generating substantial amounts of electricity and significantly reducing the city's carbon footprint. 

In addition to wind energy, 2021 saw the city set new targets to install more solar panels and wind turbines, providing a substantial boost to local renewable energy production. This ambition has become a large-scale urban planning challenge with notable projects, such as the solar installations at Amsterdam Central Station and the Johan Cruijff Arena. These projects demonstrate the city's commitment to integrating solar power into its energy mix.

The era of electrification

The city's public transport system has undergone a transformation, with electric buses and trams replacing diesel counterparts. By 2025, Amsterdam aims to have an entirely emission-free bus fleet, reducing urban pollution and setting a benchmark for other cities. 

Electrification is not limited to public transport, and the city has implemented extensive charging infrastructure to support growing number of EVs - for this the AKEF (established in 2013) plays a key role funding these initiatives.

Hand in hand with the city’s vision for more sustainable energy production comes a wide-spread electrification of Amsterdam’s infrastructure and smart grid technology - a key part of the transition to renewables. 

Smart grids in Amsterdam represent a significant advancement in the city's energy infrastructure and are a way for clean energy to be generated, distributed, and consumed. Smart grids use technology to enable smart communication among users, enhancing power storage and distribution efficiency while addressing network gaps. 

Amsterdam's energy transition highlights citizen involvement through projects like Schoonschip, a floating residential community in Amsterdam Noord showcasing smart grids and community engagement. Initiatives such as the Amsterdam Energy Cooperative enable residents to invest in local renewable energy, install solar panels, and promote energy-saving practices, strengthening community ties and commitment to eco-friendly solutions like RESCHOOL.

What lies ahead for Amsterdam’s energy journey

Looking forward, Amsterdam's renewable energy growth continues with initiatives like the Resilio Project - a Green Roof Program, and the Electric Vehicle Initiative. Major projects, including Amsterdam Smart City, a quarter billion hydrogen infrastructure investment, and offshore wind expansion, enhance the city's renewable portfolio. Key policies such as the Amsterdam Climate Agreement and the Renewable Energy Action Plan focus on increasing renewable energy use, improving energy efficiency, and growing sustainable technology innovation.

The Dutch capital has set ambitious renewable energy goals. By 2025, the city aims for 75% of its energy mix to come from renewable sources. Looking further ahead, Amsterdam plans to become a fully circular city by 2050, achieving zero waste and relying entirely on renewable energy. Although challenges remain to reach these goals, the projects show how urban centres can lead in the global energy transition, setting a benchmark for other cities to follow.

Read more about the energy transition in Amsterdam.