The current direction of energy production in the Netherlands will not reach the goal of climate neutrality by 2050. Existing methods are insufficient, storage is lacking, and space is scarce. Meanwhile, farmers bear the responsibility of consistently changing climate policies, facing uncertainties, and the NIMBY mindset blocks the drastic transformation of agricultural areas. The current profit model of energy suppliers demotivates local participation in realizing solutions. Rethinking the relationship between land, energy, community and politics, can transform these challenges into a bold and innovative approach that bridges these sectors.

By 2125, agricultural land will produce and store all green energy of the Netherlands and farmers will hold a secure position within a sustainable urban-agricultural system. Eliminating the current profit model of energy suppliers will result in a kickstart for local participation while balancing the spatial demands of renewable energy and the identity of agricultural land.

To address structural problems at the core, a radical approach is necessary, which results in working with several disclaimers over a timeframe of 150 years. A review on ethical considerations and defining a theoretical foundation, supports comprehensive decision-making throughout the project. By implementing the spatial qualities of the Dutch landscape in the definition of bioregions, the strategy can implement suitable energy production methods on agricultural lands surrounding our cities, to provide the local energy and food demand. Through investigating the possibilities of innovative technologies of energy production, ecological farming strategies and a restructured social contract, this project provides a strategy towards a local energy system.

With a case study of one of these cities, the project illustrates further spatial implementations and design possibilities, phasing movements and interventions to the year 2175. By addressing not only spatial and ecological needs within the energy transition, a social equitable path is provided, challenging the current state of affairs. The research concludes in proposing an energy transition with farmers perceived as the solution, while reshaping rural-urban relations in the future.