Wind energy: clustering and preferred areas

One of the biggest changes in the policy is the way wind energy is incorporated. Instead of scattered wind turbines, the province now opts for clustering. This means concentrating wind farms in a few well-researched preferred areas. This should reduce the spatial impact and make energy generation more efficient.

In addition, a minimum cluster size has been introduced. Wind projects outside designated areas must consist of a minimum of four wind turbines. With this, the province wants to combat fragmentation and take better account of the landscape. Participation of local residents is also becoming increasingly important. Local energy cooperatives are given more opportunities to participate financially in projects.

Solar energy: Stricter application of solar ladder

Policies around solar energy have also changed. The province has tightened the solar ladder, putting more focus on solar panels on rooftops and existing infrastructure. Large-scale solar parks on agricultural land are discouraged unless they contribute to nature development or strengthen the earning model of farmers.

However, there is still room for small-scale local initiatives. Farmers and other landowners can install solar panels on a small scale to complement their operations. However, the province stresses that these projects should not grow into large-scale solar parks without clear spatial integration.

Main Changes Compared to previous policies

The changes in the 2024 PPE were introduced after a review of previous policy frameworks. These are the biggest changes:

• Recalibrating wind policy: The province has identified four preferred wind energy zones. Wind projects outside these zones must consist of a minimum of four turbines.
• Stricter solar ladder: Large-scale solar parks on agricultural land are discouraged, with the exception of small-scale agricultural initiatives.
• Greater emphasis on participation: Local energy cooperatives and local residents will have more opportunities to benefit financially from renewable energy projects.
• Spatial integration: Both wind and solar energy projects should better fit in with the landscape and surroundings.

'Submission' policy rule - December 2024

Since December 2024, the province has had a new policy rule for applications. From now on, these will be assessed in four phases. In the first phase, the focus is exclusively on the spatial incorporation of the project. Only the second phase assesses the extent of local ownership.

What does this mean for promoters?

The new rules make clear where there is and is not room for renewable energy projects. For promoters, this means that projects must be carefully planned. Wind projects must fit the new clustering requirements and solar projects must be better aligned with the tightened solar ladder. In addition, the province expects companies, energy cooperatives and municipalities to work together to make projects feasible and socially supported. Participation and transparency play a major role in this.

However, this does mean that some cooperative projects have to compete with developers and are only spatially assessed in phase 0 and 1.