Did you know that Ameland is leading the way in the transition to sustainable energy? The island aims to be fully powered by sustainable sources by 2035.
This is already being worked on intensively – by the municipality, residents, businesses, and with support from partners such as Eneco. As a visitor, you can see in many places how Ameland is realizing this ambition.
At the airport in Ballum, there is a large solar park with over 23,000 solar panels. Since 2015, this park has fully supplied the electricity needs of all households on the island. The profits are reinvested in sustainable projects on Ameland. Good to know: the solar park is not accessible to the public, but you can see it from a distance.
The mail on Ameland has been delivered fully sustainably since 2017. Three electric cars drive around the island, and in some places, delivery is even made on foot or by bicycle. This makes Ameland one of the first places in the Netherlands where mail delivery is completely emission-free.
In the evening, you see modern lighting in many places that is extra energy-efficient. This is not only good for the environment but also ensures that migratory birds are disturbed as little as possible by light pollution.
Behind the scenes, even more is happening: dozens of buildings use methane fuel cells or hybrid heat pumps. More and more houses and holiday homes are also being better insulated and equipped with solar panels.
Ameland wants to make the transition to a sustainable energy system that suits the island. Saving energy, generating energy yourself, storing and using it smartly – these are the principles. And the island is doing this step by step. By connecting the systems with each other, energy is used as efficiently as possible. This way, Ameland remains future-proof without the need for unnecessary new cables and pipelines.
How can you contribute as a visitor?
You can also make a contribution as a tourist. For example, choose a sustainable accommodation, go on foot or by bike, and let yourself be inspired by what you see here. Many accommodations on Ameland are already working on insulation, heat pumps, and solar panels.
