The 44MW Budel solar farm near Eindhoven in the Netherlands has started commercial operations.
It was developed by the Dutch province of Noord-Brabant, the commune of Cranendonck and UK company Solarcentury on land previously used by the Nyrstar zinc smelter.
Budel comprises 154,000 solar panels installed on over 65 hectares of land.
Encavis owns a majority share in the project and Solarcentury a minority interest. Project finance for Budel was provided by Rabobank.
Solarcentury chief executive Frans Van Den Heuvel said: “The Netherlands currently produces less than 2% of its electricity from solar but this is only set to rise in the very near future.“
Having deployed 1GW of solar globally, we’re looking forward to further accelerating the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
“The Dutch people want to see clean power and climate action, we are here to work with governments, business, landlords, developers and other stakeholders who also know it makes economic sense to switch to solar now.”
Encavis chief executive Dierk Paskert said: “Budel solar park is an important development for both the Netherlands and our our growth strategy.“
Completion of the project on schedule is another impressive proof of our successful partnership with Solarcentury and the good cooperation with all parties involved.
As such, we’re delighted to continue our strategic partnership with Solarcentury and realise further projects very soon.
Rabobank managing director of project finance Marc Schmitz said: “This initiative came to life when the Province Noord-Brabant gave a second life to an ex-landfill site. This project will significantly contribute to the preservation of the region. “
Source:renews
