The municipal executives of Meppel, De Wolden, Westerveld, Steenwijkerland, and the Provincial Executive of Drenthe have adopted the ‘Action Plan for Wind Energy in Southwest Drenthe’ (pdf, 1.3 MB). The roadmap aligns with the joint exploration of wind energy in Southwest Drenthe and adjacent areas. It forms the basis for structured cooperation among neighboring municipalities and the province. The decision to install wind turbines has not yet been made everywhere. However, if such a decision is made, the parties want to jointly develop policies around key themes: local ownership, communication & participation, and spatial and landscape conditions. Particular attention is paid to the opportunities and concerns of residents, social organizations, and other stakeholders.
No Cross-Municipality Project, but Joint Conditions
Although there is currently no cross-municipality wind project, the municipalities and province have agreed to collaborate on policy. Location choices remain local, but conditions such as participation processes and landscape design are coordinated jointly with neighboring municipalities. This leaves room for future cooperation at the project level and ensures the same principles apply to residents of Southwest Drenthe.
Promising Areas and Participation
In Meppel and De Wolden, search areas have been designated for further exploration, such as Noord IV and Ruinerwold Noord. The municipalities continue to engage with residents and stakeholders. Participation and local ownership are important pillars in the process. The collaborating parties aim for a large part of the project to be locally owned. Clear agreements are also made about funding for the community and what the project contributes to society.
Roadmap and Next Steps
The roadmap contains milestones and decision-making moments. It will be further developed in the coming period. Part of the roadmap is also a participation plan that outlines how residents and the external environment will be involved when choices need to be made.
More information about the roadmap can be found at www.provincie.drenthe.nl/windenergie (links to another website).
