The Netherlands reached about 7054MW of onshore wind capacity in 2025, with growth slowing sharply and a decline expected in 2026.
RVO said the country had around 2550 turbines with a net increase of 96MW from 29 additions and 20 removals, marking one of the lowest growth levels in recent years.
NedZero added that this slowdown is insufficient to meet 2030 targets and longer-term ambitions, warning that implementation is lagging behind what is needed.
The installed fleet can generate 21.5TWh of electricity annually, about 0.3TWh more than in 2024.
Capacity growth was mainly recorded in Gelderland, Groningen, North Brabant, North Holland, Utrecht, Zealand and South Holland.
A total of 1723MW of projects are under development, including 630MW receiving SDE++ subsidy, although many remain at early stages with significant uncertainty.
Known decommissioning projects account for about 191MW, meaning removals are expected to exceed additions and lead to a net decline in 2026.
Flevoland remains the largest contributor with 2145MW, while Utrecht and Overijssel have the lowest capacity despite adding new project plans.
Municipalities, provinces and water boards are responsible for delivery across 30 regions targeting at least 35TWh of onshore renewable energy by 2030, with ambitions of 55TWh.
Uncertainty over environmental standards following a Council of State ruling has delayed or suspended projects, while grid congestion is slowing connections.
“Across the Netherlands, there is growing debate about energy costs and our geopolitical dependence,” said Jan Vos, chairman of NedZero.
“The low growth in 2025 and the looming decline in 2026 show what happens when workable rules are absent.”
NedZero said structural barriers including unclear standards, lengthy permitting, grid constraints and rising costs are holding back deployment despite a growing pipeline.
It added that onshore wind is increasingly important as a system solution, complementing solar generation and supporting grid stability through flexible operation and storage.