BBB is concerned about the placement of wind turbines: “ A green space will be allocated, citizens will not be involved ”

The placement of wind turbines, wind turbines, sunny meadows and data centers creates a lot of discontent and aversion among local residents. “It’s going at such a fast pace,” says Caroline van der Plas of BoerBurgerBeweging (BBB) WNL on Saturday. “The green space is filled with data centers and mega solar farms.”

In order to meet the goals of the climate agreement, the Netherlands will need to switch en masse to sustainable green energy. But citizens feel victimized when they receive the burden, but not the joys of an unsolicited wind turbine in the yard. “We are concerned about the extent to which citizens are involved,” says Van der Plas. “And to what extent are they benefiting from it? A lot of money and subsidies are disappearing into the pockets of large foreign investors.”

Van der Plas understands that farmers accept lucrative offers for these types of projects. “I imagine that farmers rent their land to install windmills or solar parks. It is additional income for a farmer, but a farmer must be able to derive his income from food production. An official doesn’t have a paper route there Either way. “

Concerns about citizen participation

Involving researchers and digitizing wind power at Wageningen University, Helena Solman is also concerned about the extent to which citizens are involved. “Participation is really important. Participation does not only mean informing people, but actually involving them. Citizens must not only be able to say yes or no to a project, but also be able to participate actively.”

In order to improve citizen participation in these projects, local referendums should also be put in place, says Van der Plas. “People who do not participate in such a project must also be able to make a statement about their living environment.”

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