Natural Resources of the Netherlands (Holland): Gas, Wind, Soil & More

The Netherlands (often called Holland) has modest but strategically vital natural resources:

Energy

• Natural Gas: Groningen field (once Europe's largest, now phasing out by 2030 due to earthquakes). North Sea fields (depleting).
• Oil: Small North Sea reserves.
• Wind: World-leading offshore wind (Gemini, Borssele, Hollandse Kust); onshore growing. 2023: ~25% electricity from wind.
• Solar: Rapid rooftop/field expansion.

Minerals & Aggregates

• Salt: Rock salt (Hengelo, Zuidwending) – chemical industry, de-icing.
• Sand & Gravel: Maas/ Rhine floodplains – massive construction aggregate exports.
• Clay: Brick/tile industry (historic); now ceramics, landfill liners.
• Limestone/Chalk: South Limburg (Maastricht) – cement, lime.

Biological & Water

• Peat: Formerly fuel; now horticulture (potting soil), declining due to oxidation/subsidence.
• Fertile Soil: River clay (polders), marine clay, loess – world's #2 agricultural exporter by value (flowers, vegetables, dairy, seeds).
• Water: Rhine, Meuse, Scheldt, IJsselmeer – transport, drinking, irrigation, flood management (Delta Works).

Strategic Shift

From fossil extraction (gas) to renewable energy, circular economy, and knowledge-intensive agriculture. Resource wealth now lies in innovation, logistics, and water mastery.