Utrecht Province Boosts Green Energy Fund with €5 Million Investment
Utrecht, Friday, 31 October 2025.
Utrecht Province commits an additional €5 million to the Ontwikkelfonds Opwek, managed by Nationaal Groenfonds, to enhance local wind and solar energy projects, aiming for 50% local participation.
Significant Investment for Sustainable Energy
The Province of Utrecht has reinforced its commitment to sustainable energy by investing an additional €5 million into the Ontwikkelfonds Opwek. This fund, managed by the Nationaal Groenfonds, is dedicated to supporting energy cooperatives in the early stages of developing large-scale wind and solar projects. The new investment follows a previous contribution of €1 million made by the province in 2021, alongside funding from the national government [1][2].
Aiming for Local Participation
The strategic move is part of Utrecht’s broader energy transition plan, which aims for at least 50% local and cooperative ownership of new energy initiatives. This approach is designed to ensure that the benefits of renewable energy projects are shared within the local community, thereby increasing public acceptance and participation in sustainable energy developments [1].
Managing the Fund and Supporting Projects
The Ontwikkelfonds Opwek is managed by the Nationaal Groenfonds, with Energie Samen acting as the fund manager. This structure supports local cooperatives through a regional coordinator who assists applicants and evaluates project proposals. Bouwe Taverne, project leader of energy cooperative BENG! in De Bilt, highlighted the fund’s importance, stating that it has been instrumental in organizing community input and planning new projects [1][2].
Impact on Regional Energy Goals
The additional funding is crucial for addressing the region’s energy shortfalls, as Utrecht continues to lag behind its energy targets. By promoting cooperative wind and solar parks, where control and profits remain local, the province hopes to accelerate project implementation. This is especially important given the region’s current net congestion issues, which prevent the import of electricity from outside areas [1][2].