opwek

Opwek, short for opwekking, is a Dutch term used in the energy sector to refer to the generation of electrical power or energy. In practice, the term appears in phrases such as elektriciteitsopwekking (electricity generation) or opwekkingsvermogen (generation capacity). The word is common in the Netherlands and in Dutch-language contexts in Belgium (Flanders) and is used by energy producers, grid operators, regulators, and researchers to describe the production or planned production of electricity.

Opwek encompasses power plants and installations that convert energy sources into electricity, including fossil fuel–fired plants, hydropower, and renewable installations such as wind farms and solar parks, as well as biomass and geothermal projects. It can refer to the act of generating electricity (production) or to the installed or available capacity (capacity). Production is usually expressed in megawatt-hours (MWh) or gigawatt-hours (GWh), while capacity is expressed in megawatts (MW) or gigawatts (GW).

In policy and market discussions, opwek interacts with other elements such as transmission and distribution grid capacity, reliability, and energy prices. Decisions about opwek are influenced by regulation, market design, subsidies, and tenders intended to promote renewable generation. The term itself is neutral and technical, not a description of the environmental impact or economics of the generation source.

See also: Electricity generation; Renewable energy; Opwekkingsvermogen; Opwekking.