Province of Fryslân

The Province of Fryslân has set ambitious goals to become a leader in sustainable energy, climate resilience, and circularity. Through comprehensive programmes and collaborative initiatives, the province aims to transition to renewable energy sources, promote circular construction practices, and enhance climate adaptation measures.

Energy Transition: Towards a Fossil-Free Fryslân

Fryslân is committed to achieving energy independence by 2050. The province’s energy programme outlines three primary objectives:

1. Generate 33% of its energy consumption from renewable sources by 2030.
2. Reduce energy consumption by 25% compared to 2010 levels by 2030.
3. Eliminate reliance on fossil fuels by 2050.

To realise these goals, the province collaborates with municipalities and stakeholders through the Friese Energietafel. This platform facilitates integrated planning of energy infrastructure, including the development of energy hubs and battery storage policies. Innovative solutions like green gas production and aquathermal energy are being explored to diversify renewable energy sources.

Financial support is provided through the Fûns Skjinne Fryske Enerzjy (FSFE), a fund established in 2014 to accelerate the energy transition. The FSFE offers loans and participations for sustainable energy projects that face challenges in securing market financing, such as local ownership in solar and wind projects, mono-manure digesters, and energy storage. The fund has invested €130 million over the past decade and is proposed to be extended until 2034.

Circular Economy: Pioneering Biobased Construction

Fryslân aspires to be Europe’s most circular region by 2025. A key initiative is the promotion of biobased construction, which utilises renewable, natural materials to reduce environmental impact. The province supports the development of a regional biobased economy through collaborative efforts like the Versnellingstafel Biobased Fryslân. This platform brings together stakeholders from design, agriculture, innovation, policy, ecology, and construction to advance the biobased economy.

A significant milestone is the establishment of a high-tech hemp fibre factory in Drachten by GreenInclusive. This facility processes locally grown hemp into sustainable building and insulation materials, creating a closed-loop biobased chain within the province. The initiative, supported by the Fryske Vezelhennepdeal—a pact signed by over 30 parties including housing corporations, construction companies, and governments—aims to apply hemp insulation in at least 1,000 construction and renovation projects in Fryslân.

To further embed circular principles, the province actively engages in circular procurement. By collaborating with over 100 organisations within the Vereniging Circulair Friesland, Fryslân integrates circularity into its purchasing processes, thereby stimulating innovation and reducing CO2 emissions. An exemplar project is the Swettehûs, a circular bridge control centre constructed with 44% reused materials and 12% biobased materials.

Climate Adaptation: Building Resilience for the Future

Recognising the impacts of climate change, Fryslân is implementing measures to enhance climate resilience. The province’s spatial and climate programmes focus on sustainable land use, water management, and biodiversity conservation. By integrating climate adaptation into regional planning, Fryslân aims to safeguard its natural environment and ensure the well-being of its residents.

Through these integrated efforts in energy transition, circular economy, and climate adaptation, the Province of Fryslân is charting a sustainable path forward, serving as a model for regional innovation and collaboration.

Here is an updated overview of key programmes and projects in which the Province of Fryslân is actively involved, focusing on energy, climate, and circularity. These initiatives reflect the province’s commitment to sustainable development and its role as a frontrunner in the circular economy.

Find out about all the projects and initiatives in which the province is involved