Waalwijk chooses GreenTrust at Buitenpolders Wind Farm

The Municipality of Waalwijk has awarded the development of Windpark Buitenpolders to GreenTrust. We are pleased with that. The project brings together renewable energy, local ownership, the living environment and the power grid.

The award follows a tender by the municipality of Waalwijk. The Municipal Executive adopted the advice of the independent selection committee. This committee evaluated GreenTrust’s plan as the Most Socially Responsible Tender.

Buitenpolders wind farm and renewable energy in Waalwijk

Waalwijk aims to generate at least half of its local electricity consumption sustainably within its municipal boundaries by 2030. In July 2025, the municipality launched a tender to find a partner for Windpark Buitenpolders. Consideration was given to technical competence, financial stability and added value for Waalwijk and the surrounding area. GreenTrust’s plan received the highest rating and was selected as the Most Socially Responsible Tender.

Local ownership

GreenTrust is aiming for 65% local ownership. We want to shape this together with the three energy cooperatives within the municipality of Waalwijk. That suits how we work. You don’t develop a wind farm in isolation from its surroundings. Residents, local residents and local entrepreneurs are involved and, where possible, can also benefit.

Grid congestion

Our plan also includes ideas for dealing with grid congestion. This is an important issue in new renewable energy projects and requires solutions that fit the site, the grid and the environment.

Councilwoman Sheila Schuijffel says of GreenTrust’s plan:

There is a strong realistic plan from GreenTrust that will allow our residents, neighbors and business owners to have as little inconvenience as possible and benefit as much as possible from the wind farm. The plan aims for as much as 65% local ownership. If it succeeds, that’s well over the minimum 50% limit that our city council gave us, and I’m very happy about that. In addition, GreenTrust wants to do this together with all the local energy cooperatives in our municipality. It was a long process and quite a puzzle to bring all the interests and wishes together, but eventually the pieces fell into place. A fine conclusion to my period as alderman in this fine municipality.

Continuation of the project

The college decision was followed by a period during which unsuccessful parties could object. One party filed an objection, but decided not to pursue it further. With that, the process can be formally concluded.

In the coming period, we will develop the plan further. We will also start with participation with the surrounding area. Before the summer, we will launch a project website for Windpark Buitenpolders.

From now on, the municipality of Waalwijk maintains a supervisory and formally reviewing role. The municipality will ensure that the agreements made are carried out according to the rules

Pictured: Alderman Sheila Schuijffel (Waalwijk) and project manager Annet Boessenkool (GreenTrust). Photo: Anna den Hartog