It All Comes Together at the Opening of the A2 Lage Rooijen Community Wind Farm

The opening of the A2 Lage Rooijen Community Wind Farm was celebrated with the local community on Saturday, June 6. And this day perfectly illustrated what makes this project so special. It wasn’t just a standard opening ceremony, but a festive afternoon that brought together local engagement, collaboration, technology, nature, and the energy of the surrounding area.

Many members of the Bommelerwaar Cooperative and the Deltawind Cooperative were present to celebrate the opening. Together, they form Eiland voor Eiland. Thanks to their efforts, 50% of the wind farm is owned by the local community. The second round of the bond offering also began during the opening ceremony. It is now proceeding very well.

Visitors take a guided tour at the base of the turbine. Photo: Christine Wevers

For future generations

A special moment was the opening run for the children. After a warm-up led by top athlete Lieke Klaver, they literally ran through the ribbon alongside her. It’s hard to imagine a more beautiful symbol. The next generations are exactly why we’re working on the energy transition.

Interest in technology

The technology behind the wind farm also received a lot of attention. Guided tours ran throughout the afternoon, and visitors asked many interested questions. The wind farm’s millers were, of course, also present. This group of eight millers from the surrounding area assists with the management of the wind farm and keeps an eye on things.

Community Involvement

The local community made its presence felt in more ways than one. Many visitors from the area came—young and old alike. There was also an unexpected treat: a young local girl gave the children rides on her horses. It made the day even more special and showed just how closely the wind farm is connected to the local community.

From left to right: Remco Reijke, Jan Voskamp, and Tijmen Keesmaat. The former board members of the Bommelerwaar cooperative and the wind farm are handing over the key to the next board members. Photo: Christine Wevers

Nature-Inclusive

Next to the tent where the party was held was the large green wildlife corridor. It was created with the help of ANV De Capreton and the Natuurwacht. That, too, fits in with this project. Because in addition to local energy, the natural environment surrounding the wind farm has been a key focus from the very beginning.

Sun and Wind

The weather was on our side. There was both sun and wind: perfect weather for a party at a wind farm. At first, the wind was so strong that the party tents had to be secured extra firmly with concrete blocks.

Connection

Another thing that stood out was how many people knew each other through the project—whether through the cooperatives, the construction work, the focus group, or simply because they live in the neighborhood. Conversations broke out everywhere, and people were happy to see each other again.

A celebration for local residents during the opening. Photo: Christine Wevers

Flexible construction

The construction of the wind farm also featured a celebratory moment. Golden hard hats were handed out as a token of appreciation for the smooth collaboration during construction.

GreenTrust Team

Once again, it was wonderful for GreenTrust to be there with a dedicated team—not only to celebrate the opening, but also to pitch in with the setup, organization, and cleanup for the day.

The opening of the A2 Lage Rooijen Community Wind Farm was a festive occasion, but above all, it brought people together. It was a day that clearly demonstrated what local energy is all about: working together on sustainable energy, with and for the local community.