Two thirds of the Dutch young people are positive about wind turbines and solar fields, especially if they are already present in their local environment. This is one of the conclusions from a recent research by I&O Research, commissioned by the Nationaal Programma RES (Regional Energy Strategy).
Wind and solar energy are role players in the energy transition in the Netherlands. Thirty regions in the Netherlands are drawing up a Regional Energy Strategy (RES). In the RES, search areas are identified for possible development of solar and wind energy. The regions work together with social organisations and local residents. Young people (12 to 30 years old) are often still under-represented.
The aim of the research was to see what young people think of solar and wind energy. But also how they themselves can and want to become more involved: in the energy transition and in the search for locations for solar and wind energy in the RESs. The research showed that young people in the Netherlands are ready for the energy transition and would like to see their energy supply made more sustainable.
Solar fields slightly more supported than wind turbines
Two thirds of the young people are in favor of solar fields and wind turbines on land and sea, with solar fields being slightly more supported than wind turbines. Nine out of ten young people even think it is good that there are more and more solar panels placed roofs in the Netherlands. Six in ten young people are positive about (more) wind turbines on land.
Young people who already see solar panels on roofs or wind turbines in their vicinity are on average more positive about solar and wind energy than young people who do not see it in their neighborhood.
Involvement via social media, email, letter or surveys
Almost six in ten young adults (19 to 30 years old) feel (partly) responsible for actively contributing to the energy transition. One in ten feels no responsibility at all in this area. Young adults want to be involved via social media, but also via email, letter or survey. Teenagers (12 to 18 years old) prefer to be involved in the energy transition through school and social media.
The rapport, ‘Jongeren en de energietransitie’ (in Dutch) was presented to Ed Nijpels, chair of the Climate Agreement Progress Meeting. by Anne Schipper, chairman of JongRES, on behalf of JonRES, de Jonge Klimaatbeweging (Young Climate Movement) en de Klimaat Energie Koepel (Climate Energy Dome).
In a response, Ed Nijpels, stressed that the support expressed in this survey is converted into active involvement of young people in the energy transition in their own environment.
