Dairy farmer installs his own windmill: ‘It supplies two-thirds of the electricity’

In the northern provinces, it has been a familiar sight among farmers for years: their own wind turbine on the property. And from now on it is also possible in North Holland, says alderman Rosalien van Dolder. “It is actually only very recently that the province of North Holland has allowed small turbines to be built for their own use. A happy Alderman for Sustainability from Koggenland is standing here.”

Windmill especially attractive for dairy farmers

Dairy farmers in particular opt for their own wind turbine, according to the experience of farmers from Friesland and Groningen. “We dairy farmers use electricity day and night,” explains Marco. “We have milking robots and a feeding robot. They run day and night. And then a windmill, which also just does its job at night, is a godsend.”

By the way, the dairy farmer does not bet on one horse: Marco has more sustainable irons in the fire. For example, the roof of the shed is covered with solar panels. In addition, it does not let the heat of the freshly milked milk go unused. “The cow’s milk has a temperature of 37 degrees Celsius,” says Marco. “And through the system we can use it to heat our house and provide the hot water we need.”

Incidentally, Marco can always fall back on the traditional energy grid if necessary. But with normal weather conditions, the dairy farmer is now completely independent in his energy supply. And that is a great asset in the current energy market. “Of course we do have the investment costs of the windmill and the solar panels. But those amounts are known, so we know where we stand for the coming period. That gives a calm feeling.” Jaapies hopes to have recouped all investments in about seven or eight years.