Eyesore or energy? Dutch government needs to take a lead in framing the national debate on wind turbines

Last year the Dutch government, together with civil society organisations, labour unions and employer organisations, formulated the ‘energieakkoord’ – a long-term energy and climate policy for the Netherlands. The policy includes plans to raise renewable energy production from 4% to 14% in 2020, largely through wind energy. As plans are being rolled out, there is increasing resistance in communities where wind turbines are envisaged. Coastal communities have even cited  a report claiming that 3000 jobs in the tourism industry will be lost through offshore wind parks.

In the op-ed published in the Dutch newspaper NRC Handelsblad (paywall, in Dutch), Pieter Pauw first of all shows that figures on tourism are flawed. The report misses the obvious point that tourists who might not visit one beach would simply choose another Dutch beach instead.

Beyond this basic issue, the main message of the op-ed stresses the importance of the bigger picture. The German ‘Energiewende’ (energy transition) is, for instance, about reshaping cities and infrastructure, decentralizing energy infrastructure, and new institutional development – all in the context of a long-term, ambitious vision. Pieter argues that the Netherlands is not just lagging behind in its renewable energy production, but that the discussion is stuck on the aesthetics of wind turbines. The Dutch government should focus on the broader picture – necessity, taking responsibility, and economic and societal progress.

Pieter stresses that the Dutch government should also inform citizens better, explaining the crucial role of renewable energy to prevent dangerous climate change and make energy provision more independent from oil-regimes. The potential is huge: offshore Europe alone receives enough wind energy to cover European energy needs seven times over. Wind turbines could become symbols of sustainability, economic development and geopolitical independence.

Finally, Pieter suggests that the government has to translate peoples’ environmental consciousness in acceptation, through participation and benefit-sharing. Experience shows that acceptance is much higher if communities do not only carry the burden, but also co-benefit from renewable energy production.

Pieter is a researcher at the German Development Institute (DIE). In April and May 2014 he is a guest researcher at SEI, working on the governance of climate change. More of his op-eds can be read on his blog www.pieterpauw.eu