SEA Guidance Annex 29

SEA supporting Regional Energy Strategies, The Netherlands

This annex describes how SEA was used to develop regional energy strategies in 30 regions of the Netherlands, focusing on generating sustainable electricity. By applying an integrated, landscape approach and developing, comparing, and publicly discussing alternatives for site selection, SEA supported the selection of areas for wind and solar farms that are accepted by the majority of the people affected.

overview

What’s Inside This Annex

Sub-National Energy Sector Plan

In the Netherlands, the national targets for energy transition have been set in the National Energy and Climate Plan 2019 that has been subject to SEA. CO₂ emissions are set to be reduced by 49% (compared to 1990) in 2023 and by 100% in 2050. These targets have been translated to sub-national authorities in 30 regions. In each region, regional energy strategies subject to SEA were developed in 2021. They focus on generating sustainable electricity, mainly through solar and wind facilities.

SOURCE: NCEA (2022, April 19). Een Res is meestal plan-M.E.R.-PLICHTIG. Een RES is meestal plan-m.e.r.-plichtig – Commissiemer.nl. https://commissiemer.nl/actueel/nieuws/resen-zijn-meestal-plan-mer-plichtig

SEA Method and Key Issues

Site selection was the key issue in the SEA process. An integrated, landscape approach was applied to balance the different interests. These strategies were developed through participatory processes involving all relevant authorities, the private sector, and communities. Local initiatives are supported, and the aim is benefit-sharing for 50% of all installed solar and wind. Alternatives for selection of sites for wind and solar farms were developed, compared, and publicly discussed.

Influence of SEA and Plan

Selection of areas to develop wind and solar farms that are accepted by the majority of the people affected.

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SEA Guidance Annex 29