Overview
Etten-Leur is an operational onshore wind farm in the Netherlands with a capacity of 6.5 MW, contributing to the country's renewable energy targets under EU directives.
Etten-Leur is an onshore wind farm located in the Netherlands, currently operational with a capacity of 6.5 MW. This facility is part of the Netherlands' growing wind energy sector, which plays a key role in the country's transition to renewable energy. The plant uses wind as its primary fuel, converting kinetic energy into electricity for the grid. The Netherlands operates under the European Union's Renewable Energy Directive III (2023/2413), which sets a binding target of 42.5% renewable energy by 2030. Onshore wind farms like Etten-Leur benefit from national feed-in tariffs and grid connection support, making them economically viable. The 6.5 MW capacity places this facility in the small-to-medium scale range for onshore wind in the region. Environmentally, the Etten-Leur wind farm contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by displacing fossil fuel-based electricity. Its location in the Netherlands, a country with strong wind resources, ensures efficient energy generation. The facility supports local energy needs and aligns with national climate goals, though like all wind farms, it requires careful siting to minimize visual and ecological impacts.
Environmental context
The Netherlands has a temperate maritime climate with consistent wind speeds, making it ideal for onshore wind energy. Wind farms like Etten-Leur help reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions. However, they can impact local bird and bat populations and alter landscapes. Proper siting and mitigation measures are essential to balance renewable energy benefits with ecological preservation.
Frequently asked questions
The Etten-Leur wind farm is located in the Netherlands, at coordinates 51.5866 N, 4.7760 E.
The Etten-Leur wind farm has a capacity of 6.5 megawatts (MW), making it a small-to-medium scale onshore wind facility.
The operator of the Etten-Leur wind farm is not publicly listed, but the facility is operational and contributes to the Dutch grid.
Wind energy in the Netherlands is supported by the EU Renewable Energy Directive III, which mandates 42.5% renewable energy by 2030, and national feed-in tariffs that provide financial incentives for wind power.
Onshore wind farms can affect local bird and bat populations through collisions and habitat disturbance. They also alter landscapes visually. However, they significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuel plants.