Who owns the wind? Pathways to reconnect communities with wind energy in the Netherlands - Diny van Est, Anne Marieke Schwencke, Noud Sleumer

In their exploration of wind energy in the Netherlands, Diny van Est, Anne Marieke Schwenke, and Noud Sleumer discuss the societal attitudes and challenges. Traditional windmills held local significance, unlike modern wind turbines which lack community ties. Resistance arises from concerns about visual pollution, lack of fairness, posing obstacles to wind projects.

Sleumer’s installation aims to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity, aiming to reflect on our relation with renewable energy.

Community energy cooperatives, like Rijnland Energy and Zuidenwind, involve residents in decision-making and profit-sharing, fostering community empowerment and strengthening the bond with wind infrastructure. The authors stress the importance of policymakers addressing community concerns and involving residents in wind energy projects to  ...