TITLE:
Interventions in the Subsoil in the Netherlands —Tension between Central Planning and Local Acceptance
AUTHORS:
Geert Roovers, Michael Duijn
KEYWORDS:
Subsoil Interventions, Network Management, Local Involvement, Participation
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Political Science,
Vol.11 No.1,
December
3,
2020
ABSTRACT: Subsoil interventions in the Netherlands, such as gas and oil extraction,
thermal energy extraction or CO2-storage, cause tensions. Planning
leads to local resistance, debate and often delay or cancelling of initiatives.
The central characteristics of this planning are the main cause. As the
transition to sustainable energy asks for more interventions in the subsoil,
these tensions get problematic, and hinder the transition. In this article, we investigate this
problematic nature of central public planning of subsoil interventions in the
Netherlands. We do this by using a network management perspective and local
acceptance theory and researching two cases. We conclude that a more prominent
role of local actors, using localism and soft power, is crucial. With this article, we want to contribute to national and
international discussions about the planning and governance of subsoil
initiatives and strengthening of local involvement in these.