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Managing the effects of the energy transition on Dutch heritage sites

How should we manage the energy transition’s spatial impact on areas of natural or cultural-historical value, such as the Defence Line of Amsterdam and the New Dutch Waterline? As the Netherlands embraces ambitious goals for switching from fossil fuels to renewables in the wake of the Paris Agreement, this question is becoming relevant.

The energy transition will inevitably leave its mark on the Dutch landscape. This creates friction, especially in areas of significant natural or cultural-historical value. The Defence Line of Amsterdam and the New Dutch Waterline, respectively a current and a possible future UNESCO World Heritage site, are prime examples.

PosadMaxwan is working with Generation.Energy and Land-ID to formulate a thematic Heritage Impact Assessment for these areas. It will serve as a broad, practical guide for assessing how well potential energy generation projects achieve spatial integration. On behalf of the Defence Line of Amsterdam programme office and the New Dutch Waterline team, we are identifying limitations and development opportunities. The guidelines will help to ensure that projects and decisions honour the unique universal value of these important heritage sites.