RES Rivierenland, more than symbolic integration? A critical analysis of energy and spatial planning collaboration dynamics and policy integration
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2025-10-03
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en
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The rapid electrification of the Netherlands is causing grid congestion, slowing innovation and jeopardizing the 2030 climate targets. The expansion of sustainable energy generation has significant spatial consequences, especially in a densely populated country. Energy and spatial planning can no longer function as separate domains. A more holistic approach is needed: Strategic Energy Planning (SEP). The Dutch government introduced RES Regions to guide the energy transition at the regional level. Due to grid constraints, integral energy solutions have to be implemented at the local level. This thesis explores how the spatial and energy planning domains differ and where friction arises between them. It examines the collaborative dynamics behind local integrative energy solutions and assesses the potential for successful policy integration to advance SEP in RES Rivierenland. The study combines a desk study to analyze the governance structure of spatial and energy planning domains, with a multiple-case study of local energy hubs. Findings suggest the friction between decentralized spatial planning and centralized energy planning form systemic barriers to collaboration. Furthermore, themes such as mutual trust, shared definition, leadership, and capacity, are success factors for full policy integration, revealing key challenges that must be addressed in the pursuit of effective SEP regionally.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen