Climate and energy

To achieve the objectives of the Energy Agreement, the Dutch government is investing heavily in solar energy, among other things. This is reflected in a large increase in solar parks, in particular on agricultural land, often solely aimed at maximising energy yield.

Wageningen University & Research (WUR) is committed to also adding nature-inclusive and social impact. To this end, a program has been developed to install these solar parks in a sustainable way, with an eye for landscape and spatial quality, governance, biodiversity, soil quality and the integration of food production. We also use the latest technological innovations.

This Solar Research Program aims to provide a scientific basis for sustainable solar parks that are profitable for the economy, nature and society. WUR works together with citizens, landowners, crop growers, energy and technology suppliers, governments and social organisations.

The large-scale development of wind farms in the North Sea has far-reaching consequences for both nature and spatial planning, and therefore for all North Sea users. There are still many knowledge gaps for the government, wind energy sector, nature conservation organizations, and the fishing and aquaculture sector.

Researchers from Wageningen University & Research are also developing knowledge and techniques for minimizing effects on nature in onshore wind turbines. This protects foraging areas of vulnerable birds and bats, and prevents economic damage for wind energy suppliers.

Offshore oil and gas extraction: what effect does it have on the nature of coast & sea? And what to do with discarded oil and gas platforms? Wageningen University & Research investigates ecological effects, but also opportunities for new nature around oil and gas platforms at sea.

Taking underwater samples on gas platforms

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