Multipurpose spaces
The need for sustainably generated energy is increasing at a rapid pace, however space for renewable projects is limited. Will this stand in the way of progress? No way! The answer is to make intelligent use of the space available. Groendus has already applied this logic method across several projects. Let’s look at some of our best examples of spaces that have been well thought out to create innovative, multipurpose areas.
The municipality of Breda is committed to green energy on their journey towards sustainability. Outdoor space is scarce however, making construction of large solar parks tricky.
Groendus has built one of the largest solar parks in the Netherlands on a former landfill site, the Bavelse Berg. Due to the large number of pipes in the ground, the Bavelse Berg is a site that would be difficult to use for other purposes.
Groendus has breathed new life into the landfill by installing 94,000 solar panels, which will generate clean energy for roughly 10,000 households. Even nature can take hold in the repurposed site because the solar panels are translucent, meaning that mountain vegetation can continue to grow. This will also benefit the grazing sheep wandering around under the solar panels. As you can see, optimal use really has been made of the space available. It’s a win-win-win!
Staatsbosbeheer (the Dutch Forestry Commission) makes sites available for large-scale solar and wind power generation. Sadly, sites such as this are scarce and renewable projects can only take place where nature and the environment allow.
North of the A32 motorway near Oranjewoud, Groendus has installed a 650-metre-long solar power plant on a sound barrier. The solar panels generate clean energy for around 425 households. The solar barrier also boasts an ecological purpose. The panels are set slightly apart so that rainwater can drain away into the ground and the panels let sunlight through. All this encourages the surrounding greenery to flourish.
Business park Laarberg wanted to make their surrounding area more sustainable in a smart way. A key requirement here was that the solution found had to add value to both the business park and the surrounding nature.
In the area where the business park collects rainwater, Groendus has installed a solar park with up to 6,700 solar panels. The work is in part thanks to crowdfunding efforts. The solar panels produce enough energy annually for almost 800 households and the solar park reduces the carbon footprint of the Laarberg business park by 738,000 kg per year.
Surrounding nature also benefits from the solar park; the area has been enhanced with wooded banks and fruit trees and sheep graze under and between the solar panels. The park also provides the ideal habitat for birds and bats. There’s truly benefits for all!
The Bloemendaal municipality boasts many protected nature reserves, or so-called ‘Natura2000’ areas. Unfortunately, wind turbines and large solar power plants are prohibited in these areas. Despite this, the municipality was looking for a way to generate clean energy.
In Bloemendaal aan Zee, Groendus has installed solar carports, i.e. car parking and a solar power plant all in one. The 5,000 solar panels cover the entire car park area generating enough clean energy for 600 households. Visitors to the beach benefit from a shady and secure parking space and are also able to charge their electric cars. The existing car park has suddenly acquired a very useful additional function.
There’s often more room for sustainability than you realise, especially if you double the space you have. Have you considered installing solar panels on your:
- Company roof
- Car park
- Garage
- Fruit plantation
- Sound barrier
- Livestock site
We’ll help you reimagine the space you have!
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