The NEL project is about spatial planning and land-based renewable energy projects in the Baltic Sea region. It will develop a platform for know-how on the impact on landscapes etc.
The expansion of land-based renewable energy is happening rapidly. Countries in the Baltic Sea region are planning to invest heavily over the coming years. Yet, the development is fragmented and, according to the NEL project, the land-based renewable energy projects have failed to include local values in the process of expansion. The renewable energy transition is mainly viewed in terms of technology and business. The understanding of “space” is often one-dimensional and the transition is hence hampered. NEL argues that there is an urgent need for landscape literacy; spatial planning know-how that will allow the projects to better navigate between the local and macro contexts of the Baltic Sea region. Therefore, the NEL projects will develop a trans-national and trans-disciplinary know-how platform to be used in land-based renewable energy projects. This platform will consider the perspectives of landscapes, spatial planning and the identity of the region.
The NEL project will adjust spatial planning instruments and develop stakeholder involvement methods and financing systems that will increase social acceptance through local ownership. The activities include research and workshops to present and discuss results, meetings with various stakeholders.