Local Cooperative Takes Over Windpark Bovenwind in Staphorst
Staphorst, Friday, 30 August 2024.
Coöperatie Wij Duurzaam Staphorst has acquired Windpark Bovenwind, marking a significant milestone for local sustainable energy. This rare 100% cooperative project, supported by nearly 400 members and local entrepreneurs, aims to benefit the Staphorst community through locally generated renewable energy.
A Major Milestone in Local Green Innovation
The acquisition of Windpark Bovenwind by Coöperatie Wij Duurzaam Staphorst (WDS) represents a pivotal moment in the push towards sustainable energy in the Netherlands. The cooperative, founded in 2018, has been working towards this goal through extensive preparations, testing, and collaboration. The project, which is now fully operational, underscores the importance of locally rooted green initiatives in combating climate change.
Key Figures Behind the Project
Erik Petter, director of Wij Windenergie Staphorst B.V. (WWS), played a crucial role in the acquisition. On Friday, 9 August 2024, the keys to the wind park were symbolically handed over to him by Gert Jan van Buiten from Enercon. The official transfer was finalized with the signing of documents by Petter, van Buiten, and Johan Terpstra, also from Enercon. This marked the formal transition of the wind park’s management to WDS.
Community and Financial Support
Windpark Bovenwind is notable for its strong community and financial backing. Nearly 400 local members and entrepreneurs financially contributed to the project, making it a rare 100% cooperative initiative in the Netherlands. The project also received support from local stakeholders such as Waterschap Drents Overijsselse Delta and financial backing from ASN Groenprojectenfonds. Pondera WWS provided ongoing support throughout the development phase.
Symbolism and Future Prospects
During the handover ceremony, Stefan Buning from Enercon presented an apple tree to symbolize the growth and future potential of Windpark Bovenwind. This gesture was enthusiastically received by the local community, reflecting their optimism about the project’s long-term benefits. According to Petter, the cooperative is now fully capable of utilizing the generated energy for the welfare of Staphorst and its residents. The project stands as a testament to the power of community-driven sustainable energy solutions.
Looking Ahead
With the wind park now under the management of WDS, the focus will shift to optimizing its operations and ensuring that the generated renewable energy is effectively used to benefit the local community. The cooperative’s successful acquisition of Windpark Bovenwind not only marks a significant achievement for WDS but also serves as an inspiring example of how local initiatives can play a crucial role in the global fight against climate change.