Public Participation in Sustainable Development of Energy Supply in the Netherlands

Abstract

This chapter examines the issue of public participation in sustainable development of the energy sector in the Netherlands. It uses the Aarhus Convention and the EIA Directive as a general basis for the analysis. It also analyses the issues of access to information, public participation in decision-making, and access to justice on the basis of the energy activities listed in the Aarhus Convention and EIA Directive. It concludes that public participation is well-established in the Netherlands. Energy activities are most often based on the special preparatory procedures so that interested parties have ample opportunity to state their views. However, even in a well-established system, some improvements can be made.