11 januari 2010 | plaats: Arnhem | mw. M.J.A. van der Hoeven | Duurzame energie

Speaking notes Ms M.J.A. van der Hoeven, the Netherlands Minister of Economic Affairs, at the official opening of new Vestas Benelux BV headquarters in Arnhem, 11 January 2010

Ladies and Gentlemen,

• Thank you, Mr Leferink, for your kind introduction. It is wonderful to be here today. Together, we mark the opening of new headquarter offices for Vestas Benelux, and in doing so, we underline our common endeavour to promote the cause of wind energy. The disappointing results of the Copenhagen summit in December should strengthen us in our resolve to move forward, and do so with vigour. For wind energy is an absolute must, if we are to achieve our ambitious climate and sustainability goals.
• Let me set out by complimenting you on your continuous effort to push technological frontiers, and increase the production of wind energy worldwide.
• I learnt that every three hours, twenty-four hours a day, Vestas adds a new wind turbine to our planet's fleet of onshore and offshore turbines. Worldwide, you have up until now installed more than 39,000 turbines, which generate more than 60 million MegaWatts in all. These are mind-boggling numbers, that attest to your technological know-how, high-quality workforce and keen business sense.
• I am glad, therefore, that a company like Vestas chose to set up its Benelux offices in the Netherlands, starting out in Rheden. Here I would also like to mention the Vestas engineering base located in IJmuiden. It provides excellent maintenance services to the various nearshore wind parks along the North Sea coast.
•  We welcome international companies that aim to be competitive globally and focus strongly on R&D. Vestas - serving the Benelux market, but also exporting to far-away places, while setting up R&D centres in China and the United States, for instance - is just the kind of international partner we cherish.
• So let me say one thing loud and clear: I keenly support the further development of wind energy, both onshore and offshore, and will do all that is within my capacity to increase wind energy capacity in the Netherlands.
•  In this field Dutch ambitions are substantial. By 2020 we aim to have established 6000 MegaWatt of wind power onshore, as well as 6000 MegaWatt offshore.
• Almost half of the SDE budget, the foremost subsidy programme targeted to stimulating sustainable energy in the Netherlands, has been earmarked for onshore wind energy projects, amounting to 937 million euros.
• In addition, tendering procedures have started for offshore wind energy projects. For this we have set aside well over 4.5 billion euros.
• Momentum is now here for making significant steps ahead. Just think of the state-of-the-art wind farm envisaged in the Noordoostpolder, for instance. It will cater for 429 MegaWatt.
• Of course, it is only fair to say that we still have some considerable way to go.
• For it is not all roses when it comes to planning, financing and executing wind energy projects. I am fully aware of that.
• First of all, there is the inevitable NIMBY-reaction. People concur with our general aim to reduce CO2-emissions by promoting sustainable energy. Still, they have difficulty in accepting this will by necessity impose changes on their very own living environment.
• In the Noordoostpolder, for instance, we have seen protests as wind turbines were said to spoil scenic views, disrupt wildlife and put the fishing industry at a disadvantage.
• We must at all times look for solutions that if possible can satisfy all parties concerned, and keep up a dialogue. With my colleagues Jacqueline Cramer at VROM and Gerda Verburg at the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, I have in 2007 initiated a national plan for wind energy. All stakeholders are involved, and we keep close contact with environmental organisations, industry etcetera, in order to find a way out of any potential gridlock.
• Yet, and I stand firm on this, at times decisions that are unsympathetic to particular groups within the population, will nevertheless have to be taken. There is the option of acting under powers laid down in the Rijkscoördinatieregeling, for instance. That would be a last resort measure in order to move ahead with plans that are important to our country as a whole.
• We also look for ways further to synchronise procedures, in order to speed up wind energy projects. New projects are underway. I would like to mention the Zuidlob project, for instance.
• As to the SDE programme: as a matter of course, it will come up for evaluation soon. I welcome any suggestions for improvement, also from our partners in the wind energy industry.
• Regrettably, in the past, the continuity of government financing schemes has not always been self-evident. As you know, the SDE will be prolonged after 2011, though a new financing system for the SDE will then come into force. It is up to the next cabinet to set tariffs and further implement changes.
• I would like to add, however, that in my view, it is a given that wind energy subsidies cannot go on forever. This is equally true for other forms of sustainable energy. Ultimately, energy politics are a particular mode of industrial politics. In other words, energy politics too should be geared to profitability.
• I consider this vital. After all, we are working towards a green economy. And, to return to the subject of wind energy specifically: no green economy can go without wind energy resources.
• A green economy provides for green jobs. Vestas employs over 22,000 people worldwide. A most telling number! We are working hard to emerge from the economic downturn. Green jobs surely can help along recovery.
• Maintaining a high standard in R&D is also important to revitalising our economy.
• It is clear that on the basis of sound knowledge and expertise, Vestas has developed into a highly competitive business. In the field of wind energy business opportunities abound, in the Netherlands as much as elsewhere, I can assure you.
• Today is a day of celebration. I would like to congratulate you on your new Benelux headquarters in Arnhem. You have chosen to settle in an area that has developed a particular focus on energy and environmental technology. In this region, you will find businesses like KEMA, Nuon Helianthos and Arcadis, all working towards a sustainable future.
•  Very best wishes to you here in Arnhem!
•  Thank you.