By 2023, 16% of the Netherlands’ energy supply must come from renewable sources. That is the outcome of the hard-won Framework Agreement, the precursor to the National Energy Agreement. Onshore wind turbines are a key asset in achieving this ambitious goal. To reach 6,000 megawatts, more than 1,000 turbines will need to be built, even though virtually no new turbines have been added in the last two years.

Large energy projects often seem controversial in the small Dutch polder. Plans for CO2 storage in empty gas fields or shale gas extraction, for example, have led to sharp societal debates. The societal unrest grew to such an extent that, in the case of CO2 storage, it temporarily stifled further development. With shale gas, the same scenario appears to be unfolding, now that the sounding board group of government and societal partners has fallen apart..

In a nutshell, this is the challenge that the ‘onshore wind’ ambition also faces. Wind turbines are very important in the transition to a sustainable energy supply. Nevertheless, there are concerns about, for example, visual pollution and the low-frequency hum of the turbine blades. Proponents of the onshore wind ambition would do well to learn from other initiatives and to organize the process better, so that the plans are not doomed from the start by erupting social unrest.

The good news: it can also be better. WesselinkVanZijst has identified 5 criteria that are crucial for a careful and consistent approach per wind project. Success criteria based on experience with complex projects, under time pressure, and with many stakeholders.

1. Clear direction as a prerequisite for a careful approach

The State has its vision for spatial planning, the province has its designated areas, and various developers have already expressed their interest in specific locations. But who is actually in overall charge of the development of the wind farms? And if one party is in charge, is that leadership role also accepted by other parties? Who ensures that the wheel isn't reinvented for every individual wind project?

It is important to identify the interests (opportunities and risks) within the search areas early on and to create a network of wind projects where knowledge and analyses can be exchanged. This network can also deploy neutral facilitators and analysts who ensure a careful and consistent approach.

2. Competing interests are everywhere. Deal with it!

The construction of onshore wind turbines affects residential and living environments. Opponents will therefore exist by definition. This is reality, and it's not a problem. The fact that there are competing interests – even in our wide Flevoland polders – does require careful handling of these interests. It is therefore crucial that the parties with a direct interest in the wind farm are involved in the project right from the planning stage. Invite them, let proponents and opponents meet, and start the conversation about everyone's interests behind their taken stance. This is about recognizing interests, agreeing on the next steps, and creating a common language.

3. Facts on the table + creativity = fitting solution

To find solutions, you must first look for the problem. Explore the problems, concerns, and objections collaboratively: low-frequency noise, visual pollution, effects on birds and bats, everything must be on the table.

After that, it's time for fact-finding: what is true? What's the situation elsewhere? Which concerns can be alleviated, and which cannot (yet)? Be creative: site visits are preferable to research reports, and a narrative from a villager or farmer carries more weight than a professor's theory. Jointly seeking facts leads to supported answers. This is how mutual trust grows.

For what, there is what

But what if stakeholders have no interest in engaging in dialogue at all? It's all or nothing, right? To get stakeholders on board, it must be clear that participation is beneficial. An open attitude and clarity are crucial conditions for this. Internally, define the room for negotiation that exists. What commitments regarding location, size, height, and revenue model can be made without exceeding the boundaries of a healthy business case?.

A new phenomenon from America could be helpful here. Only if I own (OIIO) – the American variant of the old Dutch ‘quid pro quo,’ tries to go beyond Not In My Backyard addresses the Dutch. Not only the burdens, but also benefiting from the profits generated by the mills. For example, an investment fund for the immediate living environment or installation and maintenance work for regional businesses.

Does that solve the effect on birds, visual pollution, and low-frequency noise? The question answers itself. Creativity is needed. Bringing knowledge from the outside in to solve issues.

5. Getting started!
Because the initiator provided the parties with insight into each other's interests, concerns, and possible solutions, the project has grown. It is no longer just about the construction of the wind turbine; it's about the wind turbine in his environment to build. Other matters have come into play, and with them, the pie has grown. What remains is a distribution that the main stakeholders support.

Distribution means negotiating. Take advantage of the creative solutions that were sought for the pain points. Look for a package that helps as many people as possible. Through the openness and increased trust in the preparatory phase, the demands and wishes of the different parties can be assessed for their reasonableness. This allows one party's offer to be truly valued by the other.

Senior consultant

Mart Scheepers

Director

Thijs Kraassenberg