Bringing energy and spatial planning together

For an effective energy transition, we need to think not only about how we generate sustainable energy, but also about the spatial consequences of those choices. After all, wind turbines, solar parks and the associated infrastructure also have to be built somewhere. This is proving to be quite a challenge for governments and network operators.

Martijn Gerritsen investigated the obstacles faced by the parties involved and made various recommendations. He obtained his Ph.D. from Radboud University on 13 June.

For his thesis, Gerritsen analyzed how decision-making on energy infrastructure and spatial development has evolved in recent years. The emergence of Regional Energy Strategies (RES) plays an important role in this. Since 2019, 30 so-called energy regions have been formed in the Netherlands, in which governments and network operators are working together on plans for sustainable energy.

“These energy regions have significantly changed policy and decision-making in the energy transition, but in the start-up phase they encountered many problems due to conflicting interests,” explains Gerritsen.

“For example, many regions opted for solar parks because there is more public support for them. Some people find wind turbines ugly, and citizens often consider heat networks to be expensive, but solar panels are less controversial. However, solar parks place relatively high demands on the electricity grid because they are often built in rural areas where there are hardly any cables and where the grid is therefore at its weakest.”

From grid congestion to energy planning

This has actually exacerbated grid congestion, i.e. the overloading of our electricity grid. New homes and business parks were suddenly unable to be completed on time because they could not be connected to the electricity grid.

Gerritsen states, “Fortunately, this also had positive consequences: it was a wake-up call for governments. Suddenly, it became clear that the energy transition is not simply about building new energy infrastructure, but that it requires spatial planners to think about how and where energy will be integrated into all spatial developments.”

Gerritsen argues for strategic, spatial energy planning: energy planology. “Involve network operators in spatial planning at the earliest possible stage. Currently, they are often only brought in at a late stage, even though their knowledge could help to make better choices.”

Learning to speak each other’s language

Conversely, network operators need to better understand how political and spatial processes work within government. “All parties involved have their own jargon and way of working. This sometimes causes irritation and frustration and can slow down the process. Express those frustrations so that you know where the problems lie and learn to speak each other’s language to improve cooperation.”

Energy planning in education and practice

During his research, Gerritsen worked closely with network operator Alliander, among others. “I noticed that there is a great willingness to work together and learn. Network operators realize that their role is changing. They are actively seeking cooperation with government bodies and knowledge institutions.”

The insights from his research are now being used in education and practice, including in a new course on energy planning within the master’s program in urban planning at Radboud University. “We want to educate students who will be able to make a difference in the energy transition.”