Reflection on the Second Round of Integrated Programming – Steps Forward, but Much Still to Gain 

The provincial energy visions serve as a foundation, with increased attention to various energy system options, better connection between policy domains, and strengthened collaboration among parties. At the same time, it is clear that spatial integration can be enhanced and processes streamlined to make Integrated Programming work for the region.

The goal of Integrated Programming is to shape the energy system in conjunction with spatial development while considering scarcity. The reflection shows that this goal has not yet been achieved, but the provinces are learning: innovative approaches have been introduced and awareness of the importance of integrated coordination is growing. Improved collaboration among parties has led to greater mutual understanding, broader involvement, and a joint commitment to the energy transition. 

However, the spatial integration of the pEV and the pMIEK remains weak. Projects are often too abstract to be effectively incorporated into the environmental vision. When spatial plans no longer all fit within the available and planned energy infrastructure, this is identified as a bottleneck, but no adjustments to those plans are (yet) made. 

The reflection also highlights four criticisms:

  • The process is too busy due to the rapid succession of products within the Integrated Programming process and high expectations during a period of many policy trajectories.
  • There is division caused by competing policy agendas and unclear role distribution between government layers.
  • The process is non-transparent due to a lack of substantiation of prioritization and limited information exchange, especially regarding network capacity.
  • And it is too non-committal: prioritized energy infrastructure projects often do not receive priority in practice due to scarcity of implementation capacity or dependence on other stakeholders.

The recommendations from the previous reflection – such as early involvement of municipalities and better cooperation with national grid operators – remain largely relevant. New is the call to streamline the process and further develop the pEV as a spatial narrative. This can be done by positioning the pEV as a Program under the Environmental Planning Act. Instruments such as area-oriented working, the layered approach, and broader future explorations can contribute to making the energy transition more robust and integrally anchored in spatial-economic developments.