We want to involve the citizens of the Province in a completely new and more effective way in choosing solutions to solve the energy crisis.
We believe there are many untamed problems surrounding this issue. Transition processes such as the energy theme are accompanied by major uncertainties. One of the many components of this uncertainty is the issue of creating sufficient social
support. For example, when new wind turbines or large solar parks are introduced these are the only times social resistance arises. Citizens ask about the usefulness of these materials and/or landscapes and their necessity, but often feel confronted with the idea that these issues are about them, but without them. Citizen participation is not truly concrete because government policies and external stakeholders often have a majority rule. We see this as a major shortcoming for the Province!
Our challenge is making an energy transition with publicly supported solutions to achieve our goals. Several studies show that provincial policy insufficiently takes into account customized solutions and that public support and public opinion are not self-evident elements in the consideration of policy choices. Perhaps it is possible to come up with customized solutions together with the knowledge of citizens. In doing so, various roles (expertise, policy, politics) can provide useful information and conceivable solutions can be suggested, with citizens playing a crucial role in the choices. Citizens have more control this way. We believe it is important to remain close to the immediate environment of the citizens involved.
How can we take steps together with citizens towards policy that is feasible and
takes into account tailor-made solutions that are appropriate in the situation in question.
We struggle to come up with something good to make this idea work and there is a lack of technical knowledge in our department to build a platform or app that can give citizens a voice. With accessible technology it is hopefully possible to directly address citizens
involved in relevant decisions. For example, a region needs to generate a certain amount
of renewable energy and this can be done in various ways; solar parks, windmills, etc.,
all have a different effect on the landscape and at different costs.
We think a platform could easily provide access to situations like these and create transparency for citizens leading to more participation.
How can we collaborate with you?
The province is a knowledge specialist in the field of energy issues and she also has a lot of knowledge about policy preparation. The start-up has knowledge of the types of tools that encourage citizens to be part of the solution to the problem. If such a tool can be built then multiple parties may be interested in this. The new product then has an economic value.
We see this collaboration taking shape step by step:
– explore
– experiment on a small scale
– unroll
– apply more broadly
Solution directions
The solution is to create a high level of involvement with the people of Noord-Holland. Thereby conceivable solutions must be converted into feasible solutions.
There are 4 thresholds that must be taken into consideration:
Inspiration
Options for dijk reinforcements: http://participatie-begroting.nl/
