Meppel unveils plans for 27-hectare business park with wind turbines and water management
Residents of Meppel can soon have their say on plans for a new 27-hectare business park, featuring wind turbines and improved water management. The project aims to boost local business while addressing energy and environmental goals, with public feedback shaping the final design.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | North IV, Meppel, Drenthe |
| Business Park Size | 27 hectares |
| Wind Turbines | 3 to 4 large turbines |
| Water Management | Managed by Drents Overijsselse Delta Water Board (WDODelta) |
| Energy Connection | DON-west cable linking to TenneT’s high- and medium-voltage substation |
| Public Consultation Period | Draft decision published soon; feedback accepted before final approval |
| Next Steps | Environmental impact report; municipal council decision after summer 2026 |
| Wind Energy Timeline | RES objective decision expected mid-2026 |
The Municipality of Meppel is responsible for urban development and local infrastructure, including business parks and environmental planning. In this case, it collaborates with regional partners like TenneT and WDODelta to align the project with broader energy and water management goals.
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Read the full translated article below
Municipality of Meppel presents sketch designs for development of North IV
At the end of last year, the municipal executive adopted the North IV Strategy. One component of this was the creation of sketches for the new business park, as well as for the water and wind energy objectives. These sketches are now complete. The Municipality of Meppel is informing the surrounding area about this, together with TenneT, Enexis and the Drents Overijsselse Delta Water Board (WDODelta).
No definitive choices have yet been made. The sketches do, however, show what is possible for the new business park, including wind turbines and water management. The drawings assume a business park of 27 hectares, three to four large wind turbines and space for the water management objectives of WDODelta. They also take into account the future DON-west cable, which will connect the new high- and medium-voltage substation in North III to TenneT’s electricity grid.
Decision-making
To create a new business park, the municipality is preparing an amendment to the environmental plan. The municipality is also currently examining the environmental and surrounding area impacts and is working on the environmental impact report. The plans for wind energy are still in the preparatory phase. The official procedure for this has not yet begun. The sketches only show what the area could look like and what heights the wind turbines might reach. Shortly, the municipality will publish the draft decision for the business park for public inspection. Everyone will then be able to submit a view. After the summer, the amendment to the environmental plan for the business park will be presented to the municipal council. Separate procedures (project decisions) will later be initiated for wind energy and the water management objectives. The Province of Drenthe and the water board are responsible for this. Before the procedure for wind energy begins, the municipal council will first decide how the RES objective for wind energy in North IV should be implemented. This is expected to happen in mid-2026.
Presenting the plans
The sketch designs for North IV were recently presented to directly involved parties. In April, the Municipality of Meppel will hold meetings on wind energy for the wider area. During these meetings, the plans will be explained and residents will be able to share their opinions. The additional research and feedback from the surrounding area will be taken into account in the decision-making process in 202