Nothing tops Groningen offshore wind

Abstract

North Groningen is known as a structurally disadvantaged maritime-port area, due to shrinkage and economic decline. To counteract this rather negative spiral, the region must attract and retain residents, businesses, and forward-thinking citizens. An industry that has significant potential to reach these ambitions is the offshore wind industry. Together with offshore wind, the innovations of hydrogen and the reuse of idle oil and gas infrastructures seem to be promising for the region. Using theories about ecological modernization, migration flows, and offshore wind port niches, and using the methodological approach of a case study, recommendations are formulated for a region marketing strategy of North Groningen. These economic opportunities for making North Groningen the offshore wind hub of the Netherlands and avoiding shrinkage and economic decline, are: the niches quick-reaction and construction ports, hydrogen and Power2Gas, and making the Eemshaven the energy conduit of Northwest Europe