Regional Energy Strategy: outcomes of the information evening

In late January 2021, residents of Voorschoten shared their thoughts on how our village can best transition to sustainable energy sources. This helps us reduce CO2 emissions and thereby prevent global warming. The municipality sought these opinions and ideas from the residents of Voorschoten to present to the drappers of the Regional Energy Strategy (RES) Holland Rijnland. This information was also forwarded to the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy.

Residents were invited to a digital open house on the energy transition via the sustainability section in the Voorschotense Krant, Facebook, the website, and other channels. Twenty-two residents of Voorschoten participated in this evening, sharing ideas on how Voorschoten can best become energy-neutral. The goal of the evening was to gather opinions and ideas from residents to contribute to the RES Holland-Rijnland.
Discussions took place in groups on the themes of energy generation, sustainable traffic & transport, and sustainable heat. The participants showed great and positive involvement in the subject. Contributions ranged from concrete steps possible in the short term to arguments regarding the unfeasibility of the RES Holland Rijnland goals.

Discussions were held in 3 groups. The course of the conversations varied. The discussions were prompted by a series of statements.

Theme: sustainable energy generation

It is quite possible to generate 80% of Voorschoten's energy needs within our own municipality.

Responses:

  • For the total energy demand consisting of electricity and gas, 80% is completely unfeasible. (all groups)
  • As for electricity demand, 80% is also not feasible, but we can reach the “ neighbourhood ” (all groups). We need to be clear about this with Holland Rijnland.
  • Producing 80% of the energy demand ourselves will come at the expense of livability and residential quality in the village. Green locations would have to be given up for wind turbines and/or solar parks.
  • 80% is only feasible over a long period (a year), not at an arbitrary moment. Electricity is needed in the evening, but there is no sun, and vice versa. In summer, energy is supplied to the grid, and in winter, it is withdrawn.
  • Ambitions must be kept high.
  • 80% may be feasible for the region, but not for Voorschoten.
  • There should be more of a national approach.
  • Solar panels on roofs are the most feasible solution.
  • To meet the electricity needs of private use, every home would need 12 solar panels.
  • Zon op Voorschoten has been looking for a large roof to equip with solar panels for a year. That has not yielded a roof (yet). The roofs are either not available or the owner is unwilling to cooperate due to uncertainties: fire hazard, taxes, and risks.
  • Le Grand Car Collection has a large roof (approx. 1750 m2) available, but the owner remains hesitant. The municipality might be able to play a role here, for example by jointly outlining the risks and returns.
  • Housing associations can play an important role in the transition with panels on roofs.
  • Facts and possibilities should be highlighted more by the municipality.
  • We must strongly commit to energy conservation. The municipality can pay more attention to this. Energy coaches play a role in this. Sustainability vouchers are good support. More effort is needed and possible.
  • Solar panels on residential roofs are an essential element of the energy strategy in Voorschoten. The municipality must generate more attention, interest, and public support for this.
    • Information and communication
    • Deploying professionals to dispel 'vague' objections
    • Exemplary role with municipal buildings
    • Licences
    • Support for social (citizen) initiatives
    • The municipality can act as an independent advisor. Private individuals now receive offers for solar panels from commercial parties. They have interests. Is the information correct?
  • Support innovation (example: two residents of Voorschoten working on hydrogen solutions).
  • What does the sustainable generation of heat mean for me (as a resident)?
  • The phasing out of the net-metering scheme and subsidies for private individuals makes investing in solar panels less attractive.
  • Nuclear energy is a solution. A solution for a much larger region. (Submitted by one person, who realized that feasibility is low.)

Theme: sustainable mobility

Proposition 1: Regular parking spaces should be converted into charging stations to make the transition to electric driving easier.

Proposition 2: Electric shared cars in multiple locations in every neighbourhood require fewer parking spaces and encourage electric driving.

Responses:

  • Health regarding electricity grid capacity.
  • Very few charging stations in Noord Hofland.
  • Explore options for charging stations in areas with heavy parking demand (e.g., 't Wedde swimming pool).
  • Prevent electric vehicle charging overstayers.
  • Shared cars, yes of course.
  • Charging in your own driveway with a home connection has limitations (50 hours charging time).
  • Request to waive the requirement for a maximum walking distance of 250 metre .
  • Find the right balance between increasing charging spaces and reducing regular parking spaces.
  • Exempt electric cars from paid parking.
  • Use the power of gradual progress in stimulating the electrification of the vehicle fleet.
  • Reserved parking spaces also serve as a signal.
  • Include charging stations in new developments.
  • Shared cars are a development that should be stimulated.
  • Sustainable transport also means increasing attention to space for different speeds on cycle paths and footpaths. Now, with the corona crisis, it is clearly visible that many paths are actually too narrow.

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