WPNL 202101

The return that goes to the shareholders indirectly comes back to
the community. In fact, you can speak of 100% local ownership,
says Pulles; “In addition to the sustainability fund, we would have
liked to organize financial participation by means of participation
loans, but with a project of just three wind turbines, there is limited
space in the business case for this. If we had realized five wind
turbines it might have been possible.”
Current state of affairs
Meanwhile, the SDE subsidy for the project has already been
awarded. Fortunately for the initiators, the government recently
started granting subsidies to wind projects that face a nationally
imposed restriction, such as the height limitation in this case.
Pulles: “This makes the business case a little better but of course
we would have preferred to realize more electricity production.”
The tender is expected to be launched before the end of the year,
with construction likely to start in 2023. Everything depends on
the outcome of two cases that are still pending before the Dutch
Council of State. At the moment the decision making process for
the tender is being prepared and it is determined whether the
choice of the wind turbines should be based on maximum
megawatt hours or on a better financial return. Pulles: “A larger
generator at this height is relatively more expensive. The decision
has not yet been made but we notice that many people prefer more
green megawatt hours.”
Example project
To what extent can this project serve as an example? That really
depends on the municipality, Pulles says. Some municipalities are
already very busy with area developments, such as residential areas
and business parks. Then the risks of developing a sustainable
energy project are not that much different. Meanwhile, all
municipalities are working on the Regional Energy Strategies, so
there is more expertise and awareness. However, some
municipalities find it difficult administratively to do it themselves
or do not get all officials on board. There are of course risks
involved. The most risky phase is until you have the permit. The
investment adds up to a couple of hundred thousand euros,
regardless of the outcome.
On the other hand, the financial returns from the wind farm are
optimally distributed locally. An important advantage is that the
municipality is at the heart of local society and can therefore best
involve various stakeholders in the process and balance the various
interests. It is therefore to be encouraged, says Pulles, because you
get a better mix: projects in which municipalities actively facilitate
and a commercial developer or energy cooperative develops and
projects in which the municipality does it all itself.
12 | 01-2021
Harderwijk project is looking forward to the construction phase