Energy company EnergyVision is to install 66,200 solar panels at Ostend-Bruges Airport, creating the second largest such facility in Belgium.
The solar energy farm will have total capacity of over 40MWp, enough to ensure 100% of energy consumption at the airport is green as well as that of almost 10,000 Ostend families.
EnergyVision, which is responsible for installation, maintenance and financing, is investing €35 million in the installation of the solar panel park.
They will account for an annual production of nearly 37,000 MWh. The production of solar energy will also save 9,600 tons of CO2 on an annual basis. Work starts this autumn.
The panels will be located in three different areas of the airport, the two largest zones on the airport’s grass areas next to the runway. The third zone is located on aircraft parking Apron 2.
The zone where passengers walk from the gates to the aircraft will be completely covered and roofed with solar panels.
The total area of the solar park will be 303,864 metres square, the equivalent of 61 football pitches.
Eric Dumas, chief executive of Ostend-Bruges Airport, said: “In addition to greening our own power consumption, the remaining energy we get from the solar panels will be able to be used by nearly 10,000 families in the area. For us it is important that our neighbours can also benefit from this.”
In a next phase, energy storage capabilities will also be installed. EnergyVision and Ostend-Bruges Airport are also working on plans for kinetic tiles so travellers generate their own electricity as they walk.
Ostend-Bruges Airport said it intends to to “further commit to its sustainable ambitions and further develop into a modern mobility centre”.
“Every new, green and innovative decision we take also has a positive impact on economic growth in the region. With this, the airport aims to create added value not only for travellers by focusing on smooth and fast service, but also for its environment,” said Dumas.
“The introduction of solar energy at the airport is an important step to further reduce the airport’s carbon footprint.
“We are actively participating in the Airport Carbon Accreditation program, which aims to make airports worldwide carbon neutral by 2050. With this project, the airport is immediately taking a big step in the right direction.”
