Our first encounters with our local partners—Utrecht Municipality—and the evolving landscape of the energy transition in Utrecht.

In March, our journey began with a meeting at Utrecht Municipality. The Utrecht University team presented the research project, outlining our plans for the three-year research project about visioning process, and emphasizing its collaborative nature. In April, we learned that the plan to make the Overvecht-Noord district gas-free had been withdrawn, leading to a series of drop-in meetings organized by the municipality to address concerns and solve questions by neighbours. At the final meeting, the research team engaged with municipal officials and a few community members.

What we could notice is that the news of the plan’s cancellation met with a mix of disappointment and relief. While some had eagerly anticipated the transition to a gas-free future, others were relieved at the prospect of avoiding additional expenses (e.g. purchasing new home appliances, changing radiators) and disruptions (e.g. opening the streets to install pre-insulated pipes). However, it became apparent that this setback was not the end of the road. Even though the road ahead may be uncertain, it seems to be experienced by our local partners as a chance to regain trust and enhance collaboration with neighbours. Looking forward, this presents an opportunity for community-driven visions, fostering sustainable energy futures for all involved.

From our initial meetings to the recent developments in Overvecht-Noord, we have witnessed first-hand the complexities of navigating energy transitions. Despite the setbacks and uncertainties, we remain committed to our collaborative approach and recognize the opportunity presented by this moment of recalibration. Stay tuned for more steps in our journey.