Noord-Holland’s approach to sustainable drone integration

The aviation team at the Province of Noord-Holland, spearheaded by Sarina Willemsen and Richard Hermans, is navigating the intricate and promising landscape of drone innovation. Their approach to integrating drone technology with existing infrastructure and addressing societal challenges offers a clear roadmap toward sustainable air mobility.

Sarina Willemsen details the diverse responsibilities of the Noord-Holland aviation team: "We handle everything related to Schiphol Airport's impact, serve as the licensing authority for regional airports, and actively explore innovations in aviation, particularly drones."
Richard Hermans, Strategic Policy Advisor for aviation, elaborates on their innovative scope: "We focus on everything from small-scale drones to sustainability in larger aviation sectors, assessing their potential impact on provincial energy infrastructure. Currently, the majority of my work revolves around drones and the electrification of smaller aircraft."

Critical Advisory Contributions

Willemsen and Hermans both significantly contribute to the ADW Cities & Regions Advisory Group, providing crucial insights and practical expertise. Hermans clearly explains their involvement: "Our participation helps commercial stakeholders and other governmental entities understand what's necessary for drone operations to be responsibly integrated into existing infrastructures. We strive to foster open dialogue on societal acceptance and spatial planning implications, ensuring drones effectively serve public interests."

Noord-Holland actively pursues the integration of drone technology with existing infrastructure. Willemsen highlights this interconnectedness: "Drones intersect with mobility, spatial planning, logistics, economic development, military-civil cooperation, labor markets, and data strategies. While exciting, this broad connectivity also presents challenges—when something affects everyone, clarity around responsibility can diminish."

Influencing European Mobility

Noord-Holland actively engages with POLIS, a European network of cities and regions dedicated to sustainable mobility. Willemsen explains further: "Within POLIS, we chair a specialized task force dedicated to exploring drone technology's integration into urban environments. Our mission is to facilitate knowledge exchange among cities and regions, shaping European drone policies from a grassroots perspective while addressing practical challenges faced by local governments."

Hermans adds context: "POLIS enables direct connections with municipalities and regional authorities across Europe to discuss sustainable mobility solutions. This network complements our advisory role by providing practical examples and shared experiences, guiding how drones can effectively serve society’s broader mobility and sustainability goals."

Planning for Sustainable Public Spaces

The practical integration of drones into public spaces is a central concern. "Integrating drones involves more than marking spots on a map; it requires spatial planning that acknowledges limited space and competing interests," Willemsen states. Hermans underscores this: "Previously, aviation planning centered primarily around airports. Today, drones directly impact urban areas and public spaces. We must anticipate and regulate their effects on people's living environments."

Hermans emphasizes that drone innovation must be socially responsible: "Technological feasibility doesn't always mean it’s a good idea. Commercial developers should prioritize applications with clear societal benefits, such as medical deliveries, to foster public acceptance."

Willemsen shares this viewpoint: "We remain open to drone technology, yet critical inquiry must guide its integration. The essential question is: What genuinely adds value to society? Our participation in advisory boards and European networks bridges commercial ambitions and public interests effectively."