International Debate: Navigating the Path to Sustainable Energy

International Conference on ENERGY
The EU24 – Engage4thePlanet project contributes to more diversity in political
participation on environment and climate change issues.
This event aims to stimulate insightful discussions on climate change issues and provide
a platform for diverse voices, especially underrepresented ones, to contribute their
perspectives.

To reach a sustainable future a transition to green energy is required. We will focus on
ENERGY as one of important aspect when aiming to tackle climate crisis.
For the location of the debate we’ve chosen a very specific region, where debate on
energy is very active and local citizens have vital interest in shaping local, national and
European policies.

Groningen, Drenthe was chosen specifically to host the debate on ENERGY as southern Groningen and Drenthe have a history of underground energy resources, heavily influencing the landscape until this day. To reach a sustainable future a transition to green energy is required.

Case of the region:
The Groningen natural gas field has been a topic of numerous discussions: the gas led to significant wealth but also resulted in a crisis of gas-related earthquakes damaging homes and buildings in the region. The impact on local communities is ongoing, with a substantial restoration project spanning the entire region, permanently altering the aesthetics of historic villages. The management of the gas-related earthquakes turned
into a national political crisis, eroding civilian faith in governmental competence. Besides the damage, this crisis fueled the debate on the energy transition and the role that the province of Groningen is willing to play. Groningen has the potential to farm green energy like wind and solar energy. The geographical factors make this region a promising green energy area. On the other hand the province might not wish to be an
area of energy farming again.

While gas extraction in Groningen ended in October 2023, the Wadden Sea gas fields and off-shore energy production by windmills are being considered as potential alternatives. Off-shore energy production has gained renewed relevance due to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. However, the effects of gas mining and off-shore wind farms are debated due to potential ecosystem impacts on this unique UNESCO
Wadden Sea area. Off-shore farming also comes with new challenges like energy transportation and energy storing. Southern Drenthe is home to the largest oil field in Western Europe. It marks the establishment of the Nederlandse Aardolie Maatschappij (NAM) in the oil village of  Schoonebeek. For a long time, it was seen as a great opportunity for locals, and NAM contributed to numerous facilities for the local community. However, due to the Groningen gas earthquakes, there is now growing suspicion against NAM, resulting in a strained relationship between the company and the villagers.
The goal of the event is to:
 To empower and amplify underrepresented voices: Join us in discussing the critical issue of climate change and its impact on our planet. We encourage young people, citizens of different backgrounds and mobile union citizens to voice their opinions and ideas as they play a crucial role in shaping the future.
 Green ENERGY – challenges and recommendations: Immerse yourself in a high- profile debate on Navigating the Path to Sustainable Energy. Together we will explore the challenges and propose sustainable recommendations for a greener and more sustainable future.

Your voice matters in the fight against climate change and in the pursuit of green ENERGY solutions. Let’s come together on 14 th March 2024 because your voice counts!
Register before 1st March via this link: https://forms.gle/BcmFuviadefho7mk6