Province sets limits to solar parks

Drenthe is the first province to come up with concrete measures to limit the realization of solar parks. For example, there is still room for a maximum of 625 hectares of solar park and a complete stop will follow after 2030.

The Provincial Executive has informed the Provincial Council of this. A follow-up to the motion passed this summer asking for more concrete guidelines regarding solar projects. The provincial targets for renewable energy and spatial conditions that solar parks must meet – as described in the 2018 Environmental Vision and Ordinance – would provide insufficient guidance for municipalities.

Maintain solar ladder
The result is that solar parks are sometimes realized that fall short of the landscape integration. Nor is there always a question of multiple use of space or added value for other tasks than generating energy. More control from the province in the construction of solar parks should prevent this. The province must also ensure that the solar ladder is applied more strictly.

Application of the solar charger means that roofs are given priority over ground when installing solar panels. Incidentally, this is already largely the case in the Netherlands. Of all solar panels is 87% on roofs and 13% of the solar energy comes from solar parks.

Using agricultural land for solar panels would be the last option when using the solar ladder. Previously, Royal Cosun and Avebe, supported by LTO Noord, already appealed to the northern provinces to join the solar ladder. much stricter to apply.

Exception for dual function
Brenda Timmermans of LTO Noord region Noord calls it 'a good signal that the province of Drenthe is now aware that things have to change'. Currently, 766 hectares of solar parks have been realized in Drenthe or the permit is ready to do so. This size can be increased to a maximum of 2030 hectares between now and 1.391. There will be an exception for good plans where there is support and the dual function of the solar park is guaranteed.

Jeanette Pennings

Jeannet has her roots in the flower bulb sector and she grew up on an agricultural company in the northern part of North Holland. As a generalist she reports for Boerenbusiness across all sectors. She is also exploring the possibilities of sponsored advertising.

j.pennings@boerenbusiness. Nl

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