Broad coalition in the Northern Netherlands: "Choose a wind-energy route that is future-proof"
On Monday, 3 February, Sophie Hermans, Minister for Climate and Green Growth, expressed her preference for a new route for power cables from offshore wind farms to Eemshaven. The minister has opted for the preferred route through Schiermonnikoog (drilled), the Wadden Sea, and agricultural land in Groningen. Regional administrators are disappointed and surprised that the alternative, the tunnel option, has not been detailed further with the same energy. There is also no clarity about compensation. In December, regional administrators sent a letter calling for the selection of future-proof routes in the form of the Oude Westereems route and the Tunnel option.
Region: “Choose future-proof solutions”
Landing the energy from the wind farms at Eemshaven is of great importance to the energy transition in the northern Netherlands. The wind farms in the North Sea offer a unique opportunity to accelerate sustainable energy and supply the northern region with wind energy.
Offshore Wind Connection Programme - PAWOZ
Several routes were investigated within the Offshore Wind Connection Programme (PAWOZ). The starting points for finding a route included minimising the impact on social interests such as agriculture, shipping, nature, and recreation. Another principle was to connect the energy from the wind farms by the end of 2031 at the latest. This morning, the minister made it clear that, for her, a quick connection is the most important factor in choosing the 'Schiermonnikoog route'.
The region takes a different position. According to the region, the eastern routes – the Eemshaven tunnel and the Oude Westereems route – are the best and most future-proof choices for these routes. The region believes that the minister should fully include these eastern routes in the continuation of the process and start this as soon as possible. The region wants to actively seek out initiators for the Eemshaven Tunnel variant together with the minister. The region also offers to enter into discussions with Germany about the Oude Westereems route.
Broad support in the region for eastern routes
On 9 December, 17 organisations, including government agencies, agricultural and nature experts, sent a recommendation to the minister. In their letter, they emphasised their support for the eastern routes. The plans for these power cables for offshore wind farms will be made available for public inspection in March.
Response from the Noorderzijlvest Water Authority
Like other northern authorities, Noorderzijlvest Water Authority is deeply disappointed by the Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management’s proposed decision to route the 37-kilometre-long power cable for the wind farm north of Schiermonnikoog through the northern clay region. This area is highly vulnerable to salinisation. Noorderzijlvest, together with the agricultural sector, is extremely active here in maintaining the so-called freshwater bubble to ensure that agriculture can continue to operate in this area. Fortunately, the ministry has decided to use directional drilling for the entire route, so that excavation of the route is no longer necessary. However, according to the Noorderzijlvest water authority, the risks have not yet been investigated adequately, and Noorderzijlvest therefore remains concerned. It is no coincidence that the water authority is and remains in favour of the eastern route, preferably via a future-proof tunnel to Eemshaven. More pressure can and must be applied here