Schiphol calls for demolition of 90m euro Belgian solar park
Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport is demanding the full dismantling of a large Belgian-built solar park near its flight paths, claiming glare from the panels poses a safety risk to pilots. The 230,000-panel installation was developed by Energy Solutions Group (ESG), a Belgian green energy firm, which invested 90 million euros in the project, according to De Tijd.
The Groene Energie Corridor (DGEC) solar farm, covering 100 hectares, lies under Schiphol’s approach routes and is capable of powering around 40,000 households. A Dutch court recently ruled that part of the site - two of its four zones - must be taken down due to potential glare during landings. However, Schiphol is now pushing for the entire farm to be removed.
Safety concerns
In a letter to the Dutch infrastructure minister, Schiphol CEO Pieter van Oord warned that from late August to early April, glare from the panels could force runway closures and lead to "accidents with potentially fatal consequences".
The airport argues that this would reduce capacity, increase noise elsewhere and potentially cause millions in damages.
“The main issue is who is responsible for the costs"
ESG and DGEC say they are disappointed with Schiphol’s decision to escalate the issue politically after losing in court. They continue that the project has an irrevocable permit and have proposed reorienting the panels to reduce reflection, but are asking Schiphol to contribute to the cost. “The main issue is who is responsible for the costs,” ESG said.
The dispute marks a setback for ESG, which has grown rapidly with support from investors including Patronale Life, SFPIM and France’s Infranity. The Limburg-based company recently raised 125 million euros and is seen as a potential green energy unicorn.
While solar farms near airports are a growing trend, they remain sensitive. Brussels Airport aims to be carbon neutral by 2030 and has conducted extensive reflection studies for its own solar installations. Solar panels were also added without issue at Ostend-Bruges Airport.
© PHOTO ANP REMKO DE WAAL
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