The province of Utrecht is working with the regions to provide affordable and sustainable energy for all residents. The joint goal is to generate enough sustainable energy by 2030, as established by the Provincial States and municipal councils. In the U16 region, there is sufficient visibility on achieving the sustainable energy goals, partly because the plans of the municipalities of Lopik, Montfoort, Woerden, and Vijfheerenlanden have become more concrete. In the Amersfoort region, some plans have fallen through, which is why the region is looking for new locations for wind energy. In the Foodvalley region, the province is joining the plans of the municipality of Wageningen in Rhenen.
In January, the province decided to make wind energy possible in two areas in the municipalities of Stichtse Vecht and Monfoort/Oudewater. It was agreed that four municipalities needed to generate sufficient sustainable energy to meet regional goals. The municipal councils of Lopik, Montfoort, Woerden, and Vijfheerenlanden have now taken the next step, making it clear that there is sufficient visibility on realization. Therefore, no additional areas are currently needed. The province and municipalities continue to work together to implement the plans on time and carefully.
Amersfoort Region Seeks Solution for Plan Failures on A28
In the Amersfoort region, plan failures have occurred due to the decision of the Ministry of Defense not to allow wind energy along the A28. The call is therefore to municipalities to look again at additional wind and solar plans to address this. It has been decided to look beyond just the promising areas for wind energy and to conduct more research on this in the coming period. Based on this, it must be clear by the summer of 2026 how sufficient generation can be realized.
Foodvalley Region Wants to Join Municipality of Wageningens Plan
In the Foodvalley region, the province wants to join the plan of the municipality of Wageningen, which also partly lies in Rhenen. The precise division of roles will be worked out in the coming period. Therefore, it is not necessary to look for another location in the Utrecht part of Foodvalley.
Can the Plans Be Connected to the Grid?
Recently, TenneT announced that the expansion of the high-voltage grid in the region is delayed. Fortunately, this does not mean that all sustainable energy plans in the province of Utrecht have to be put on hold. Together with grid operator Stedin, the province is working on solutions to realize wind projects on time. Among other things, flexible contracts and other smart solutions such as cable pooling, where a shared connection is shared with solar parks, or direct connection to business parks are being considered.
For press information:
lotte.mulders@provincie-utrecht.nl
06 39 25 06 62
