Local politicians are also shocked by the scale of the plans. David van Gelderen is a councilor of Progressive Drechterland and shakes his head when he looks at the meadows where the energy park is to be built.
“If you consider that the highest wind turbine in the Netherlands is 260 meters and is located on the Maasvlakte, then a turbine of 200 or 250 meters does not fit in Drechterland, along the West Frisian Omringdijk.” The Civil Servant – the enormous turbine near Medemblik – is 198.5 meters high.
The political parties of Drechterland have entered into discussions with the Oostewind Foundation and are all against the plans. “We unanimously think this is not appropriate for this location.”
Fate in the hands of the province?
The area between Hem and Oosterleek has been designated by the municipality of Drechterland as a RES search area for the generation of solar and/or wind energy. However, the question remains whether the decision-making power ultimately lies with Drechterland. Because ABO Energy’s plan calls for generating more than 5 megawatts of wind, the fate of Oosterleek appears to be in the hands of the province.
And that suits Van Gelder. “It was also a big surprise to us that the municipality has actually been sidelined a bit. As a municipality, we want to be in control, so there needs to be clarity about that. It’s about the people here and that includes decision-making. to be in the community.”
Make a fist
A motion is being prepared to ensure that councilor Sjon Wagenaar goes to the province to stop the proposed plans. “As a council, we want to make a stand towards the province. As far as we are concerned, this plan is off the table.” On February 3, the province will take the next step in determining the RES search areas.