Skip to ContentSkip to Navigation
About us Latest news Events

Energy lecture: 'Ameland self-sufficient by 2020', by Albert de Hoop (Mayor of Ameland Island)

When:Tu 09-05-2017 15:00 - 16:30
Where:Energy Academy Building, Nijenborgh 6, Zernike, Groningen (lecuture room 5159.0029, ground floor)

In April 2016 the Dutch island of Ameland (Waddenzee) introduced the largest solar energy park in the Netherlands. The park is part of the master plan and strong ambition for Ameland to become self-sustaining in its energy supply using renewable energy exclusively by 2020. The island operates an experimental ecosystem for renewable energy for the Netherlands (and indeed, for the rest of the world). Albert de Hoop, mayor of Ameland since 2006, has played a key role in the process towards the realization of this plan. In this lecture De Hoop will elaborate on this bench mark-project: What are the lessons the Netherlands and the rest of the world can learn from this bold and courageous island on the coast of the Netherlands?

De Hoop was –and is- the driver in the ambitious plan: he involved major companies Gasterra, NAM, Eneco and Philips and accomplished that a gentleman’s agreement was signed for the exclusive test innovation regarding sustainable energy on Ameland. The idea and motivation behind this major project fits well with the characteristics and mentality of the island’s inhabitants; the urge for autonomy and independence. The island had been independent up to 1800, until it formally became part of the Netherlands. Today Ameland it is the hot spot for renewable energy and many are surprised by the involvement of the gas industry in the project as well. Albert is less surprised as he senses that this industry is coming to the realization that gas as a main source of energy is coming to its end.

In today’s lecture De Hoop will guide us through the project and elaborate on the difficulties of coordinating such a large scheme. What is the future of self-sustaining municipalities, regions and even countries? Ameland is learning a lot concerning the progress of technology and the process of transitioning towards renewable energy. What are the lessons the Netherlands and the rest of the world can learn from this bold and courageous island on the coast of the Netherlands?