The Dutch government has made €210m available to boost the quality of life in regions where electricity comes ashore from North Sea wind farms.
The investments will be made in the Northern Netherlands (Eemshaven), Zeeland (Borsele), Rotterdam (Maasvlakte), the North Sea Canal zone and the Moerdijk and Geertruidenberg areas.
As a starting signal for these area investments, Climate and Energy Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Rob Jetten has signed the first administrative agreement in Zeeland.
“We are taking major steps in the Netherlands with the energy transition,” said Jetten (pictured).
He added: “That is a major job and requires an impactful renovation of our energy system.
“The connection of offshore wind farms can also have a major impact on a region. We must distribute these benefits and burdens fairly, which is why it is important that we invest in the quality of life in these regions.”
The areas will work with the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate on a ‘regional plan for area investments in offshore networks’.
These proposals will state which projects will be carried out to enhance the quality of life. The projects schemes fit within one of the following themes: preserving & strengthening nature, improving the physical environment, strengthening the regional economy and accelerating energy transition.
The government said residents will be actively involved in the preparation and implementation of the various projects.
In 2022, The Hague has made €500m available from the Climate Fund for these investments. The first €210m of this is now being spent and a new cabinet will work out the distribution of the remaining money for the second round this autumn.
The central government is making €50m available for investments in the living environment in Zeeland.
The landfall of offshore wind has an impact on Zuid-Beveland, Noord-Beveland and Walcheren, for example through the construction of new infrastructure and high-voltage stations.
Today, Minister Jetten, together with the Province of Zeeland and various Zeeland municipalities, signed an administrative agreement marking the start of these investments.
The funding will be used for schemes such as strengthening the sports facilities in Borsele and investments in the Veerse Meer.
The administrative agreements with the other regions will be signed no later than 30 June, said the government.