Regional Energy Strategy (RES)
We are working to create a better climate for everyone. One of the ways we are doing this is by generating more sustainable energy with large-scale solar parks and wind turbines. Together with the region, we are exploring the possibilities: the Regional Energy Strategy (RES).
The first step was to establish the draft RES (March 2020).
In July 2021, RES 1.0 was adopted by the municipal councils of the eight municipalities, the Water Board, and the Province of Gelderland. Our council decided on this in the council meeting of May 20.
As a municipality, we have our own vision on solar energy and are working on a vision for wind energy.
Contents RES 1.0
Residents also contributed their ideas at various meetings in all municipalities and expressed their opinions in a regional survey about the possibilities.
In RES 1.0, we have set a joint ambition to generate 1.2 TWh of sustainable electricity from solar and wind power. This assessment took into account factors such as public support, landscape, nature, climate, feasibility, and existing policy. With this plan, our region will emit 34% less CO2 in 2030 compared to 1990 if we achieve our ambition and save energy (national target: -49%). West Maas en Waal wants to focus primarily on (large-scale) solar panels on roofs and nearly 25 hectares of solar parks.
Allowing the local community to benefit
Another goal is to ensure that society as a whole can benefit from the financial returns generated by new wind and solar parks. That is why we want the local community to be able to participate in the development of at least 50% of new projects and thus also benefit from them.
The sequel
RES 1.0 is an intermediate step in a long-term collaborative process toward a sustainable Rivierenland.
Over the next two years, RES will focus on:
- Implementing RES 1.0
- Preparing for RES 2.0
- Linking opportunities that contribute to acceleration in implementation and/or CO2 reduction
Every two years, we evaluate the RES and adjust it to developments such as those in the field of technology. Through our regional Cooperation Agenda, we work on themes such as energy poverty, energy saving, innovation, and heating. Through our regional Area Agenda, we work on further reducing CO2 emissions, for example through mobility, industry, and agriculture.
More information
For more information, visit resrivierenland.nl.
Regional Energy Strategy Rivierenland newspaper
The Regional Energy Strategy newspaper is an initiative of the RES and the eight municipalities in Rivierenland. It is a newspaper featuring real-life stories from residents, tips on saving money, up-to-date information on wind and solar projects, and how the transition to natural gas-free living is progressing. You can also read the newspaper online at .