Wind energy
Utrecht University aims to be CO2 -neutral by 2030. To achieve this goal, UU is working to reduce its own energy consumption, make optimal use of fossil fuels and transition to a 100% sustainable energy supply.
Wind energy is one of the options for working towards a 100% sustainable energy supply. With one large wind turbine, the university can make around 20-25% of the electricity it needs sustainable. Utrecht University has investigated the possibility of generating its own wind energy in the Utrecht Science Park (USP). The university did this exploratory study on its own territory, as it does not want to place the burden of its green energy demand elsewhere.
Impact on the environment
However, wind energy also raises questions and concerns among stakeholders in the surrounding area. These are about impact on the environment such as noise, cast shadows and visibility in the landscape. In addition, the impact on ecology is also a concern, partly because of UU's ambitions in this area. Of particular and specific concern for the USP is the impact of vibrations and electromagnetic pulses from a wind turbine on sensitive research equipment. This has been investigated together with researchers from faculties and companies in the Utrecht Science Park and the impact appears to be minor. Utrecht University chose to follow a careful path and held several discussions with people and organisations involved. This input will be taken into account in possible follow-up studies.
UNESCO status
In 2022, the nearby Dutch Waterline has been granted UNESCO status. As a result, a wind turbine on the USP does not seem possible at the moment. First, the impact of a wind turbine on the heritage should be investigated. The further development of a wind turbine on the USP currently depends on regulatory developments and how much room it offers in it.
Potential sites
Most locations on the Utrecht Science Park and surrounding meadows proved unsuitable for placing a wind turbine. Based on the legal (distance) standards in 2018, it was concluded that wind turbines could only be placed in the south-east and north-west of the USP.
These two areas have been identified as so-called search areas. Primarily, the focus was on the search area in the northwest. This was due to the relatively rural character of the Southeast location and its location in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nevertheless, the South-East location is also still considered a search area.
The environmental vision of the municipality of Utrecht further investigated the possibilities for a wind turbine at two locations in the north-west. The first potential location for a wind turbine, near Sportcentrum Olympos, fell out due to technical reasons. The other location, along the A28 motorway, near the Rijnsweerd interchange, does seem to be able to meet all environmental standards such as noise, cast shadow and safety. Moreover, this site is far enough away from the nearest existing residential buildings of Rijnsweerd-Zuid. There is potentially room for one large wind turbine at this location.
Utrecht Science Park 2040 environmental vision
The Utrecht Science Park environmental vision sets out the wishes for the Utrecht Science Park (USP) in 2040. This vision was made with various parties in the city: Utrecht University, UMC Utrecht, the Utrecht Science Park foundation, many users, residents and local residents. The vision has been finalised by the city council.
The Environmental Vision also articulates the USP's sustainable ambitions. Besides reducing natural gas, making buildings more sustainable, deploying Heat-Cold Storage and placing as many solar panels on roofs as possible, windmills are also mentioned. The Environment Vision states that there is room for one or two windmills along the A28 motorway.
Frequently asked questions
Questions or thoughts?
Is your question not listed? Then send an email to windenergie@uu.nl.Those interested in learning more about the USP wind energy feasibility study or about Utrecht University's energy transition should contact Jolt Oostra, portfolio manager energy at windenergie@uu.nl.