Regional Energy Strategy: Findings from the Information Session

In late January 2021, residents of Voorschoten shared their ideas on how our village can best transition to sustainable energy sources. This will allow us to reduceCO2 emissions and thereby prevent global warming. The municipality solicited these opinions and ideas from Voorschoten residents to share with the drafters of the Holland Rijnland Regional Energy Strategy (RES). This information was also forwarded to the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy.

Through the sustainability section in the Voorschotense Krant, Facebook, the website, and other channels, residents were invited to a digital open house on the energy transition. Twenty-two Voorschoten residents participated in the discussion that evening on how Voorschoten can best become energy-neutral. The goal of the event was to gather residents’ opinions and ideas to be presented to the RES Holland-Rijnland.
Participants discussed the topics of energy generation, sustainable traffic and transportation, and sustainable heating in small groups. The participants showed a high level of engagement with the topic, and their feedback was very positive. Their input ranged from concrete steps that could be taken in the short term to arguments demonstrating the unfeasibility of the RES Holland-Rijnland goals.

Discussions took place in three groups. The course of the discussions varied. The discussions were based on a number of statements.

Topic: Sustainable Energy Generation

It is entirely possible to generate 80% of Voorschoten’s energy needs within the municipality itself.

Comments:

  • For total energy needs—comprising electricity and gas—an 80% target is completely unachievable. (all groups)
  • As for electricity demand, 80% isn't feasible either, but we can get close to that figure. (all groups) Be clear about this with Holland Rijnland.
  • Generating 80% of the village’s energy needs would come at the expense of the village’s livability and quality of life. Green spaces would have to be set aside for wind turbines and/or solar farms.
  • 80% is only achievable when viewed over the long term (a year), not at any given moment. Electricity is needed in the evening, but there is no sun, and vice versa. In the summer, electricity is supplied to the grid, and in the winter, it is drawn from the grid.
  • We must, however, keep our ambitions high.
  • 80% may be achievable for the region, but not for Voorschoten.
  • There needs to be a greater focus on a national approach.
  • Solar panels on roofs are the most feasible solution.
  • To meet the electricity needs of residential use, each home would need to have 12 solar panels.
  • Zon op Voorschoten has been looking for a large roof to install solar panels on for a year now. This has not (yet) yielded a suitable roof. Either there are no suitable roofs available, or the owners are unwilling to cooperate due to uncertainties regarding fire hazards, tax implications, and other risks.
  • Le Grand Car Collection has a large roof (approx. 1,750 m²) available, but the owner remains hesitant. Perhaps the municipality could play a role in this, for example, by working together to assess the risks and potential returns.
  • Housing cooperatives can play an important role in the energy transition by installing solar panels on their roofs.
  • The municipality needs to provide a clearer picture of the facts and possibilities.
  • We need to make a strong commitment to energy conservation. The municipality could devote more attention to this. Energy coaches play a role in this effort. Sustainability vouchers are a good source of support. Greater commitment is both necessary and possible.
  • Solar panels on private rooftops are an essential part of Voorschoten’s energy strategy. The municipality needs to generate more attention, interest, and support for this initiative.
    • Outreach and Communication
    • Engage professionals to address “vague” objections
    • Sample function with company-owned buildings
    • Permits
    • Support for community (citizen) initiatives
    • The municipality can act as an independent advisor. Private individuals are currently receiving offers for solar panels from commercial entities. These entities have vested interests. Is the information accurate?
  • Support innovation (for example, two residents of Voorschoten are working on hydrogen solutions).
  • What does sustainable heat generation mean for me (as a resident)?
  • The elimination of the net metering program 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 the feasibility is low.)

Theme: Sustainable Mobility

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

Proposition 2: Having electric car-sharing vehicles in multiple locations throughout each neighborhood reduces the need for parking spaces and encourages electric driving.

Comments:

  • Concerns about the capacity of the power grid.
  • There are very few charging stations in Noord Hofland.
  • Explore options for charging stations at locations where many cars park (e.g., ’t Wedde swimming pool).
  • Prevent people from hogging charging stations.
  • Car-sharing, sure, why not.
  • Charging in your own driveway using your home's electrical connection has limitations (50 hours of charging time).
  • Request to waive the requirement for a maximum walking distance of 250 meters.
  • Strive to find the right balance between increasing the number of loading zones and reducing the number of regular parking spaces.
  • Exempt electric cars from paid parking fees.
  • Harness the power of gradual change to promote the electrification of the vehicle fleet.
  • Reserved parking spaces also serve as a signal.
  • Include charging stations in new developments.
  • Car-sharing is a trend that should be encouraged.
  • Sustainable transportation also means paying increasing attention to space for different speeds on bike and walking paths. Now, with the COVID-19 crisis, it’s clear that many paths are actually too narrow.

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