Environmental Impact Report: Little Chance for Solar Farms in Voorschoten

RES Holland Rijnland commissioned Witteveen en Bos to conduct an environmental impact assessment as a national pilot project to evaluate the plans and ambitions outlined in the Regional Energy Strategy (RES) 1.0 in terms of their environmental impacts. The study shows that, due to environmental impacts, there are significant limitations in the region to the construction of wind turbines and solar farms. The rural area outside Voorschoten also appears largely unsuitable for solar farms.

The goal of achieving a climate-neutral region will not be easy to realize. A feasibility study is needed for each target area to assess all environmental impacts and economic consequences. A mix of wind turbines and solar farms is preferred for this purpose, given the efficiency of the power grid.

No wind turbines are planned for Voorschoten. Solar farms are hardly feasible due to their impact on the landscape. The plan recommends locating projects along the edges of the polders to preserve the openness of the landscape. Councilwoman Erika Spil said, “We will incorporate this recommendation into the supplementary feasibility study that we will commission after the summer. The landscape must be preserved as much as possible, but the use of renewable energy is also necessary. That is why we will also organize initiatives to ensure that all rooftops are utilized.”

There are many constraints throughout the region. As a result, the goal of becoming a climate-neutral region cannot be easily achieved. A mix of wind turbines and solar farms is preferred, as this is the most efficient option for the power grid. This is not possible in Voorschoten, as wind turbines are not feasible here. The PlanMER map also offers little space for solar farms. Therefore, the municipality will commission a feasibility study to determine what options are available.

With regard to energy and heat, the planMER describes the environmental impacts that influence the choice of location and/or the selection of specific energy or heating technologies. This assessment considered the impact on nature and biodiversity, safety (such as height restrictions due to air traffic), the living environment (noise and shadow flicker), the impact on the landscape or the ability to blend into the landscape, and the protection of water extraction areas. 

Holland Rijnland is home to many unique landscapes, including Natura 2000 sites, parts of the Dutch Nature Network, sites of cultural and historical significance, protected urban and village landscapes, and important meadow bird habitats. Holland Rijnland is also located near Schiphol. Furthermore, part of the region is densely populated, and there are unique water extraction areas that are vital to our water supply. The plan-MER shows that all these factors combined make finding suitable sites a complex challenge.

The draft EIA plan was made available for public review on July 8. It can be viewed, among other places, on the Voorschoten municipality’s website.