Contribution to energy transition
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Lanakerveld solar park
On 14 May 2020, Sunvest won the tender from the Municipality of Maastricht for the construction of a solar park on the Lanakerveld of approximately 41 hectares.
The land is owned by the Municipality of Maastricht and will be given on a long term lease after the environmental permit becomes irrevocable. The project area is surrounded by a Belgian industrial estate, agricultural areas and a railway line. To the north-west of where the solar park is planned, excavation work will be carried out in the municipality of Lanaken, after which an industrial area will be developed on the reduced terrain.
Since 2003, the site of the proposed solar park has been zoned ‘Business Area to be developed’. The regulations state that businesses up to and including category 4(A) are allowed. The solar park can be seen as an electricity production company and therefore fits within the zoning. The project area covers 41 hectares of which a maximum of 32 hectares will be covered.
After the invitation to tender, Sunvest entered into discussions with various parties and with local residents to improve the design. An impression of the modified plan is shown in the images below.
Local residents have indicated that it is desirable to do something about the distracting view of the Belgian industry. That is why the Municipality of Maastricht, the Municipality of Lanaken and Sunvest are working closely together to develop a broad green zone with trees on the Dutch side of the national border which will provide visual screening of the Belgian industry. The design also includes various ecological measures to mitigate the impact on the habitat of protected animal species in the area.
Sunvest has submitted the permit application to the municipality of Maastricht and is awaiting a decision from the council. If the decision is positive we expect to participate in the SDE subsidy application during the autumn of 2021.
The project is in the following phase:
We realise Natural Solar Parks
Information about this project
Landowner
- The land is owned by the Municipality of Maastricht and will be given on a long term lease after the environmental permit becomes irrevocable. The Natural Solar Park contributes to the municipality's ambition to become more sustainable and climate-neutral.
- This location is an ideal spot for a solar park because the project area is surrounded by a Belgian industrial estate, agricultural areas and a railway line. To the north-west of where the solar park is planned, the municipality of Lanaken will start excavating, after which an industrial estate will be developed on the reduced terrain.
Landscape and nature
- The park is divided into three large fields, each consisting of two parts. The historical landscape is small-scaled with fields and hollow roads. The first step for a good integration into the landscape is to respect this scale and the hollow roads. Part of a historical field with archeological value will be kept free.
- With Lanakerveld solar park, we are trying to strengthen the habitat for natterjack toad, badger, barn owl, bats and wall lizard.
- By applying swales (aquagrafting) we create ecological hotspots and reduce the water problems in the region.
- We are applying stepping stones in the area that will allow insects, among others, to cross the larger fields in the solar park.
- Approximately 2.9 hectares will be dedicated to ecological development. We are also working with glass-glass panels so that more sunlight will reach the ground.
- Lanakerveld solar Park will be the first Nature Inclusive Solar Park with a KIWA certification for a Nature Inclusive Solar Park (NISP).
Local community
- For Lanakerveld solar park, Sunvest is working together with EMEC and INNAX for local participation.
- We consider it important to make a social contribution to the region in addition to the financial participation opportunities. That is why Sunvest will set up an environment fund and use it to make a proactive contribution to local social organisations. Together with energy cooperative EMEC, Neighbourhood Council Oud-Caberg and Neighbourhood Network Veer Zien Malberg we are looking at how the environment fund should be implemented in the coming years.
- To stimulate support for the energy transition among the younger generation, we want to use the construction of this park as an opportunity for an educational programme. To this end, Sunvest, EMEC and INNAX have sought cooperation with the School Roof Revolution foundation. They are experts in developing and rolling out educational programmes about the energy transition and the generation of solar energy. In addition, we are going to set up an educational programme in which we will invite interested schools and other interested parties to visit the solar park. This will be done in cooperation with the CNME (Centre for Nature, Environment and Education). We are always open to ideas to make the educational programme as effective as possible.
Communication with local residents
Sunvest believes that local residents and the environment always have an important say in the development of a natural solar park. In our experience this leads to a better solar park where the local area actually benefits and can participate in the energy transition.
Sunvest held several meetings with people living in the immediate vicinity of the future solar park to collect their feedback on how best to fit the solar park into the environment.
In addition, Sunvest organised several information evenings and interactive information sessions for local residents and interested parties from the area.
