have an important responsibility to take energy transition into account in their spatial planning. The energy transition’s spatial impact Besides its physical environmental impacts, in a densely populated country like the Netherlands, transitioning to a sustainable energy supply particularly impacts on demand for space. For example, space to generate energy (wind, solar, hydro, biogas, biomass, geothermal), space to transport electricity and heat transmission, and space to store energy (heat/cold, CO2). Part of the transition is to strive for gas-free towns and districts. This also has spatial implications: for example, infrastructure is required for geothermal energy and for storing heat or cold. Greenhouse gas emissions can also be reduced by modifying land use: for example, by controlling the dewatering of peat areas (dry peat areas emit large amounts of greenhouse gas). The role of SEA Achieving the necessary energy transition will require interests to be weighed at national, regional and local levels, and responses for future innovations to be prepared. SEA can support the discussions between public authorities, industry, interest groups and residents by presenting the options for achieving the energy transition, and the spatial and environmental consequences of the possible choices. This may also help in reducing public resistance to plans and projects important for the energy transition. The information in the SEA report To optimally support public debate, in the view of the NCEA the SEA report for an environmental strategy / plan should provide insight into: • energy demand and the various options (strategies) for saving energy and using sustainable sources of energy such as wind, solar, heat/cold, geothermal, as well as their spatial consequences • the contribution of these energy strategies to local, regional and national greenhouse gas emission reduction targets • options for combining the energy transition with other ambitions for the area, such as using flood defences for sustainable energy production (“energy dikes”) or combined wind and solar farms • the consequences and risks arising from the various energy strategies: for example, for landscape, biodiversity, safety for local residents, flood avoidance and water quality 26 The NCEA’s Views and Experiences 2018
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