The Provincial Executive (GS) of South Holland informed the municipalities in the RES region Alblasserwaard by letter about the conditions under which additional wind energy is possible in Gorinchem North. The letter is based on the joint exploration carried out by the province and the involved municipalities into the possibilities for wind energy in the area. Two wind turbines have already been permitted in Gorinchem North.
Two variants remain
The exploration results in two remaining variants: one with 4 wind turbines (the two already permitted turbines plus two additional turbines) and one with 3 wind turbines.
The GS indicate in the letter that both variants can fit within provincial policy, provided careful landscape integration, protection of nature and meadow birds, and good involvement of the local community are ensured.
Deputy Arno Bonte is positive about the completed wind exploration of the RES region Alblasserwaard. We want to provide space for local initiatives to generate sustainable energy. It is important that we handle the landscape, nature, and environment carefully. In our letter, we have indicated the frameworks within which initiatives can be developed.
Exploration phase completed and next steps
This letter marks the end of the exploration phase. It clarifies which options are possible and under what conditions.
The next step is for the municipality of Gorinchem to record the outcomes in the local environmental policy. This policy sets the rules and conditions for an initiative in Gorinchem North. Once this policy is established, an initiator can further develop a plan. After consultation with the community, that plan can be submitted as an application.