Installing wind turbines
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Do you want to install an onshore wind turbine in the Netherlands? You must have permission from your municipal authority. If you want to set up a windfarm with more than 20 wind turbines you have to draw up an environmental impact assessment. Wind turbines are also subject to general rules for the protection of the environment and the surroundings.
Permits
In order to build an onshore wind turbine, you apply to your municipality for permission using an All-in-one Permit for Physical Aspects with limited environmental assessment (omgevingsvergunning beperkte milieutoets, OBM, in Dutch). In some cases you will need an environmental permit, as well as other permits and exemptions. For instance with regard to conservation, water management and soil protection. The municipal authorities are responsible for involving other parties, such as the water authority and provincial authorities. You must apply for the permits yourself. Please contact IPLO, Information Point for the living environment (in Dutch) to find out exactly which permits apply.
Windfarms
Wind turbine operators must minimise adverse effects to the environment. They have to observe their statutory duty of care, and make sure they keep to the rules of the All-in-one permit for physical aspects and the zoning plan. Windfarms comprising 3 or more wind turbines must keep to the rules of the custom solutions that are being set up by governments. This may also be arranged for in the zoning plan. Governments may decide which level of environmental protection they deem acceptable for new windfarms. This is the result of a ruling by the Council of State (Raad van State) on 30 June 2021. You can read more on the consequences of this ruling on Infomil’s (RWS environment) website (in Dutch).
Requirements for wind turbines
There are requirements regarding noise pollution and safety for wind turbines. Safeguards, maintenance and repairs should be monitored at least yearly, for instance. It is also mandatory to limit cast shadows and risks to the immediate surroundings. You can find more information in Dutch on Infomil’s website.