Greenhouse gardening companies used more than 30 percent less natural gas in their gas engines last year. This is evidenced by the data of the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS). This makes the sector one of the main drivers of the overall decline in gas consumption in the Netherlands.
In total, greenhouse horticulture consumed 2.16 billion cubic meters of natural gas over the past year. A year earlier, this figure was 3.15 billion cubic meters. In August, the sector consumed the least amount of natural gas – 91 million cubic meters. This month, 126 million cubic meters of natural gas was consumed less than in the same month a year earlier. According to CBS, natural gas consumption in August 2021 in greenhouse horticulture was 217 million cubic meters.
Also in October, November and December, the difference is large compared to the previous year. Accordingly, during these months of last year, 96 million, 75 million and 134 million cubic meters of natural gas were consumed less. It is not surprising that consumption is lower during these months. Due to high costs, many greenhouse horticultural companies have chosen to keep their doors closed during the winter months or reduce production.
In total, the Netherlands consumed 31 billion cubic meters of gas last year, 25 percent less. This is the lowest level since 1972. In addition to greenhouse horticulture, large industrial companies and households have also contributed to the decline. Last year they consumed a quarter less natural gas.
