Inhoud
Introduction to our new Perspective for Future Development
NOVEX-NZKG
The North Sea Canal Area (NZKG) has been commissioned by the national government as one of the sixteen areas of national importance. In the NOVEX-approach the national, regional and local governments and partners develop an integrative Perspective for Future Development. The cooperating parties adopted this course in the NZKG Administrative Platform on the 19th of December 2023. In 2024 this course will be further developed into an implementation agenda and a regional investment agenda by region and national government.
Download the Perspective for Furture Development for North Sea Canal Area
In the upcoming decades this area will be crucial for:
- realising our ambitions for green energy and circular economy in our ports and industrial areas;
- the construction of 100.000 new homes;
- progressing towards a healthier living environment;
- reserving space for water storage in our landscape in response to the demands brought on by climate change.
These are shared challenges for our region. Therefore we, the national, regional and local government and our partners are working together under one shared vision: the new Perspective for Future Development for the North Sea Canal Area. This will be further developed into an implementation agenda and a regional investment agenda by the regional and national government.
Click on the image for a large view of the final image Perspective for Future Development.
Our Perspective for Future Development
The Netherlands is constructing new offshore wind farms. Several connections will come to the North Sea Canal Area. Here, a new infrastructure for green energy begins. For this we need:
- additional transformers for electricity, carefully integrated into the landscape;
- underground pipelines to connect to the new hydrogen network of the Netherlands;
- and new factories for the production of hydrogen and green liquid fuels.
This infrastructure will become our new backbone for the North Sea Canal Area, allowing us to achieve our ambitions. By transitioning our industry to electricity and hydrogen, our living environment will be cleaner and healthier.
A healthier living environment in the IJmond
Display of the projects in the IJmond. Source: Perspective for Future Development.
At the same time, the quality of our living environment requires attention. Amsterdam and Zaanstad are investing in the renewal of post-war neighbourhoods. A similar approach is being prepared for the IJmond with support of the regional and national government. Here, we will renovate neighbourhoods and connect them to district heating networks from sustainable industry. Tata Steel will realise a rapid transition, essential for sustainability and a healthier living environment in the IJmond. Additionally, we are constructing an Energy port necessary for building offshore wind farms. This Energy port can be expanded after Tata Steel’s transition.
Energy transition, circular economy and housing construction in Westpoort
Display of the projects in Westpoort. Source: Perspective for Future Development.
In Amsterdam and Zaanstad, many of our housing ambitions are located in our ports and industrial areas. Over the next 20 years, we will build new neighbourhoods in some of these areas. Once the energy and circular economy have developed, we can start with the other parts of our plans for housing. Working with hydrogen requires additional space for safety. We will create this space responsibly.
Harbour, landscape and water system in the IJmond and Houtrakpolder
Display of the projects in the IJmond and Houtrakpolder. Source: Perspective for Future Development.
By collaborating as a region, we will utilize port areas more efficiently and conserve our natural landscape. If we successfully realise all the components of our Perspective for Future Development we can preserve the landscape of the Houtrakpolder, and make it a critical asset for excess water management in the future.
Landscape biography
As part of the NOVEX approach, a Landscape Biography has been compiled which covers North Sea Canal Area’s origin, current state, and potential for sustainable development. The document provides advice for designers, developers, and policy makers on creating plans which utilise the features of the landscape while preserving its heritage. By applying knowledge of past and present qualities of the area, its future can become better, richer, and more beautiful.