De Zandhaas

In 2014, one of the first mills in the Netherlands was installed in De Zandhaas windmill in Santpoort-Noordals with a generator for generating energy for the windmill. By installing a new vane cross and a control valve system, the efficiency of the generator has increased by 30%. The miller expects that the generation can be even more through improvements and new developments of the generator. At the moment, the mill already generates 8000 kWh per year, enough to provide the shop in the mill and the house next to the mill with energy. The added value for the miller is that the mill now runs almost every day, including on days off. In addition to this innovative measure, the miller also ensures a more sustainable mill with smaller adjustments. For example, LED lighting has been installed that works on motion sensors, just like the extraction. The lights in the yard work with time switches. Furthermore, the coffee maker with warming plate is switched off after use and the coffee is stored in thermos jugs. The house, which was originally an old barn, is fully insulated by means of wall and roof insulation and double glazing.