“Energy Governance: Evaluating the effectiveness of Energy boards in Provincial Energy Policy. Mitigating Grid congestion through Collaborative Governance and Policy Integration A Case Study of the Energieraad Zeeland”
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2026-01-12
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en
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This research assesses the effectiveness of Energy Boards as a collaborative governance approach to mitigate grid congestion in the Netherlands. The expansion of the grid faces long lead times due to complex permitting processes. In response, the Dutch government launched the National Action Program on Grid Congestion, which established provincial Energy Boards. These boards bring together grid operators, industry, multiple government levels, and other stakeholders to support strategic coordination aimed at faster infrastructure development, better use of existing capacity, and more coordinated planning.
This study applies a qualitative single case study of the Energy Board Zeeland, grounded in a constructivist approach. Data were collected through interviews, document analysis, and participatory observation. The frameworks of Collaborative Governance (Emerson et al., 2011) and Policy Integration (Candel, 2019) were used to assess effectiveness, defined as the combined outcomes, functioning, and policy integration potential of the collaboration.
Findings show that outcomes mainly focus on preventing delays through early bottleneck identification and coordination. Improved infrastructure utilization led to the creation of the Zeeuwse Netoplossingen taskforce and flexible industrial contracts, though regulatory barriers remain. Coordination improved through iterative provincial energy programs. Overall, Energy Boards are largely effective, but further comparative and longitudinal research is needed.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen