Strengthen the acceptance of wind energy through clear agreements on how the environment should be involved in plans for new wind turbines and wind farms. Based on this approach, Greenpeace, Milieudefensie, NedZero (formerly NWEA), Natuur & Milieu, the Nature and Environment Federations, the NLVOW and EnergieSamen have drawn up the Code of Conduct for Acceptance & Participation of Wind Energy on Land.
Code of Conduct for Acceptance & Participation on Onshore Wind Energy (PDF in Dutch)The core of the Code of Conduct is that the environment is involved in wind projects at the earliest possible stage. A participation plan is drawn up for each project in dialogue with stakeholders and the competent authority (for example the municipality), with which agreements on citizen participation are established. The initiator of a wind project also appoints a contact person for the area.
When drawing up the participation plan, the starting point is always tailor-made. After all, all wind projects are different. For example, it matters whether it concerns wind turbines on the Second Maasvlakte or near urban areas.
Dividing benefits and burdens
Hard work is being done within and outside the wind sector to involve the environment in wind energy. Not only by making compensation amounts available for the environment, but also by talking to local residents and knowing how wind energy is acceptable for the environment. The aim is to properly distribute the benefits and burdens and to involve the environment in wind projects at an early stage.
In addition, practice has shown that it is very important to rely on customization. In the Netherlands we have many different landscapes, but also many different wishes. That is why customization is important: in each project, in consultation with the environment, determine what needs there are, by jointly identifying where concerns, but also ideas and solution options lie.
Active role of governments
Broad acceptance of wind energy is not just a matter for the initiators of wind projects. However, wind energy developers can only properly involve local residents if the relevant authorities also take a more active role. Only if governments, developers and nature and environmental organizations jointly involve the environment can the Netherlands quickly build a sustainable energy supply.
As an indication of the financial scope for non-statutory activities for acceptance and participation, the Code of Conduct looks at amounts that apply in different provinces. These have been translated into a target amount per MWh (0.40-0.50 EUR/MWh) per year because the financial possibilities partly depend on production. After all, the return on wind projects is limited and therefore the financial scope for extra-statutory activities.
The amount spent will - as stated in the Code of Conduct - be determined in consultation with the environment. This way, the wishes of the area can be optimally taken into account.
In 2020, the Code of Conduct for Acceptance & Participation on Onshore Wind Energy was revised again. For example, the agreements from the Climate Agreement regarding the aim of 50% local ownership have been added and a paragraph has been included on nature and landscape.
Binding code
The Code of Conduct binds the members of NedZero (formerly NWEA) to a number of basic principles with regard to participation, communication and contributing to strengthening acceptance. The nature and environmental organizations, the NLVOW and the energy cooperatives also commit themselves to improving participation by signing the code, thereby increasing the acceptance of wind energy.
