Netherlands launch code of conduct for environmental involvement in geothermal projects
Presenting the new code, from left to right: Annie van de Pas, Eveline Rosendaal (EBN), Frank Schoof (Platform Geothermal), Saskia Hagedoorn, chairman of DAGO, (source: DAGO)
Alexander Richter
3 Dec 2019
The Dutch geothermal sector has launched a new Code of Conduct for Environmental Involvement in Geothermal Energy Projects during an event by the Dutch Association of Geothermal Operators (DAGO).
As successful application of geothermal energy requires balanced cooperation with stakeholders on all fronts, the Dutch geothermal sector has launched a new code of conduct.
With a letter of support given to Meindert Smallenbroek, Director of Heat and Substrate of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate, DAGO supports the Climate Agreement during a festive meeting on November 28, 2019. The Dutch Association of Geothermal Operators (DAGO) organized this meeting on the occasion of its 5 year anniversary. Another important milestone is the launch of the Code of Conduct for Environmental Involvement in Geothermal Energy Projects . Saskia Hagedoorn, chairman of DAGO, offered this code of conduct to Annie van de Pas, representative of the Green Deal Participation of the Environment in Sustainable Energy Projects and Network Director of Nature and Environmental Federations.
Support for the Climate Agreement
Geothermal heat is an important energy source for making heat demand more sustainable. DAGO and its members are committed to strengthening the geothermal energy sector and accelerating growth in a safe and responsible way of working. The sector has many public and private stakeholders with whom DAGO works closely. This collaboration is crucial to realize the ambition of the Geothermal Master Plan in the Netherlands. Together with EBN, Stichting Geothermie Platform and Stichting Warmtenetwerk, DAGO developed a Master Plan in 2018 and is working together on its implementation. DAGO now commits with the letter of support for the Climate Agreement to make and implement further agreements with public and private organizations and other stakeholders, so that the objectives in the Climate Agreement are achieved.
Code of Conduct Environmental involvement is an important milestone
In 2019, DAGO took the initiative on behalf of its (prospective) members, the companies that wish to gain geothermal energy in the Netherlands, to draw up this code of conduct. This code of conduct provides guidelines for operators to involve residents and companies in the vicinity of a geothermal project, the relevant municipalities, provinces, water boards, drinking water companies and nature and environmental organizations in the preparation and realization of geothermal heat projects. To be able to draw up this code of conduct, we have actively involved 25 public and private organizations. They thought along with us and provided feedback. DAGO is pleased and proud to be able to launch this code of conduct. This code of conduct is signed by all members of DAGO. The members of DAGO will actively start applying this code of conduct in the coming period. Annie van de Pas, representative of the Green Deal Participation of the environment in sustainable energy projects, is also pleased with this code of conduct. “The initiative indicates that the geothermal sector realizes that social support and participation are extremely important for the proper integration of geothermal energy into the environment. It is positive that the sector recognizes and tackles this at an early stage. ”
Source: DAGO
