Zonnewal-plan enters final phase

Dear people of Oostwold and neighbours! The last time we could give you a big update about the Zonnewal-project was in May, when we had a gathering in the Gaveborg.

We told you about the progress up to that point. How the idea for the Zonnewal had taken its pretty much definitive shape, how students studied the support in and around the village, how you can switch to ECO as your energy supplier and that Oostwold (and therefore, the Zonnewal) was chosen by the Groningen province as one of the six ‘example villages’ to serve as a blueprint for other villages and towns that want to become energy neutral. Also, a short film about the Zonnewal had its premiere that evening – a film in which we explain what the Zonnewal is all about in two minutes.

Radio silence?

It’s December already, and you haven’t heard from us for a while now. But that doesn’t mean nothing is happening. We meet almost weekly as a project group, attend almost all relevant meetings and events (regarding energy transition) in the region – as long as time permits, because we all do this project next to a full time job and/or company.

While we make progress almost every week, sadly, we cannot inform you every time. We are continuously talking to many parties, such as Provincie Groningen (Groningen Province), gemeente Leek (Leek municipality), Rijkswaterstaat, Waterschap Noorderzijlvest, Enexis, solar panel suppliers, our Zonnewal building partner Enviso/DBG and other parties such as the owners of some pieces of land near the A7 highway, where the Zonnewal will be built.

In order to not interfere with decisionmaking it is important for all government parties to agree, before we make anything public.

Gigantic boost

We are proud and happy to announce that this is now the case! Parties such as Provincie Groningen and Gemeente Leek had a very positive attitude towards the Zonnewal, but it has taken a long before everyone was at the same table AND reached an agreement about a thorough and purposeful approach. Provincie Groningen and Gemeente Leek are now in the forward mode which means that they are convinced of the plans and willing to cooperate. We are now working with them to prepare the necessary permit/licence application.

Impression of (a part of) the new Ringweg Groningen

Apart from this, we have a new partner: the consortium of companies that carries out the reshaping of the Zuidelijke Ringweg in Groningen. This project provides a huge amount of dirt – and what place is better to bring it to than the Zonnewal, which is not even 10 Kilometers away from the Julianaplein? We hope that we can start a great cooperation with them.

These to factors have given the project a gigantic boost, and therefore we are confident to announce that we are now in the final phase of planning.

Land owners

We are now working out various details with the government partes, but are also still in talks with land owners. The lots next to the A7 are propery of some government parties (Gemeente, Waterschap) but also owned by a few private owners.

Most of them are very enthusiastic about the plan and they have given their cooperation by signing a statement of intent. This statement says that they are willing to sell a piece of their land that adjecents the A7. With some parties we are still negotiating to reach an agreement.

And now?

As soon as we reach an agreement with all land owners, we can finalize everything with the order parties. We will then proceed to apply for the necessary licences and permits and as soon as they are approved – building can start! Of course, we will notify you right away when this happens!