This summer, former economic affairs minister Maria Verhoeven scrapped seven wind turbines from the original plan after parliament asked her to take the protected view of the village of Urk into consideration
The Noordoostpolder wind farm – the Netherlands’ largest – is to produce 1.4 billion kilowatt-hours, sufficient for the energy needs of about 900,000 people. Minister Verhagen said the project fits perfectly with the cabinet’s energy policies. "The wind farm is a step on the road to affordable, reliable and clean energy. The Netherlands needs a sensible mix of wind power, natural gas, coal, biomass and nuclear energy. There are downsides to all forms of energy, including wind power."
Mr Verhagen argued that the cabinet has carefully weighed the various interests and has met the objections of the people of Urk wherever possible. "Which is why the seven wind turbines nearest the village were scrapped."
