%L theses_frw3223
%A Damin Booiman
%D 2020
%T Implementing eco-solar parks: inclusion of nature development and landscape integration
%X In recent years, space has become increasingly scarce in the Netherlands. In contrast, two spatially demanding concepts became more prominent in the Dutch landscape: nature development and the energy transition. Moreover, policies address the increasing future importance of both concepts. A promising solution to future conflicts of space are eco-solar parks. Here, solar energy is generated while at the same time nature is developed. This research investigates the inclusion of nature development and landscape integration, which is vital for generating public support for solar parks, within the implementation processes of two implemented eco-solar parks: Boeldershoek-West and Appelscha Hoog. Extensive primary research was conducted by performing multiple interviews with actors involved in one of the implementation processes of the eco-solar parks. It is concluded that nature development is, despite forming an important objective in the development of both eco-solar parks, subordinate to financial feasibility. Sometimes, generating maximum profits was even at the cost of the ecological potential of the eco-solar parks. Landscape integration, on the other hand, was an important objective in the decision-making process and the design development phase of the parks. In Boeldershoek-West, nature development and landscape integration where combined by including strips of nature. In contrast, in Appelscha Hoog the ecological potential of the park declined because of concerns about visibility. Finally, it is argued that agreements between the initiator and operator of the eco-solar park about maintaining the natural values, are crucial for fulfilling future biodiversity objectives.