The construction of West Flanders’ largest solar park, containing 60,000 solar panels, commenced on Monday at Ostend-Bruges Airport, as declared by energy supplier EnergyVision.
EnergyVision plans to ramp up its production significantly over the next two years, primarily through this major solar park initiative at Ostend-Bruges Airport. Equating to approximately sixty football pitches, this laden area beside the runway will house the 60,000 solar panels.
These are projected to be operational by Spring 2026, providing an annual output of 37,000 MWh, saving roughly 10,100 tonnes of CO2 per year. The Ostend Mayor Bart Tommelein (Open VLD) symbolically launched the solar park’s construction on Monday morning.
"The generated energy will initially be used for the airport’s electricity supply," said airport manager Eric Dumas.
"This allows the airport to operate on one hundred percent green electricity. It’s a significant step towards our goal of reducing CO2 emissions by thirty percent by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2050. The remaining electricity will be supplied to a notable 10,000 families in our direct vicinity."
According to EnergyVision, the location is ideal. Most of the land around the runway is unsuitable for other uses, and being on the coast provides optimal solar irradiance. Ostend residents are invited to invest through community participation. Families can apply via www.stroomvantzeetje.be.
"With a minimum deposit of 250 euros, we’re enabling a wide audience to make their savings grow in an alternative and mindful way," stated EnergyVision CEO Maarten Michielssens.
