The Turbine Fund works largely in the same way, but with one important difference: the money comes directly from the wind turbines. For every megawatt hour of energy generated, operators pay 50 euro cents for fifteen years. In 2022, this yielded around 170,000 euros.
In addition, an additional core area has been added to the work area: Stadskanaal, just across the provincial border. Three centres, 1st and 2nd Exloërmond and Nieuw-Buinen, have also reserved part of their budget for a neighbor scheme. “Once every five years, these villages pay money directly to those living directly around the wind turbines,” Kloen explains.
Although the amounts remain strictly separated, everything is managed by the same foundation. “It was a challenge to clarify the agreements with all parties,” says Kloen. “There was a long debate with the operators, or ‘wind farmers’ as some call them. Ultimately, a central approach was chosen.”
To ensure transparency, there are two separate websites and the funds are managed financially independently of each other. “We have one treasurer, but two accounts and separate rules for applications. It is important for residents that they know where the money comes from and how it is spent,” Kloen emphasizes.
Both the Area Fund and the Turbine Fund offer residents from the impact area the opportunity to apply for a subsidy for projects that improve the quality of life in their village. Applications can be submitted quarterly.
“The best thing about these funds is that the control lies entirely with the residents,” says Kloen. “They determine what is important for their village and how the money is spent. That makes this a real fund for and by the community.” With the Turbine Fund now added, there is even more room for initiatives in the next fifteen years.