On location in the municipality of Stadskanaal, Chint Solar and local fund Stichting Gebiedsfonds Stadskanaal have given the official go-ahead for the construction of Solar park Vleddermond. Jan Bessembinders, Jaap Blaakmeer (both from the local fund), landowner Aike Maarsingh and Mark van Rij of Chint Solar symbolically rammed the first pile.
Solar park Vleddermond will be realized on a 16.9-hectare site, adjacent to the business park. Over 36,000 solar panels, with an installed capacity of 20.1 megawatt peak (MWp), will provide sustainable energy to approximately 6,400 households annually. Construction is expected to be completed this summer, after which the solar park will be connected to the electricity grid. Solar park Vleddermond is owned by Blue Elephant Energy.
The landscaping will take the views from Gedempte Vleddermond into account. The existing ditch will be widened and a nature-friendly bank with reed fringe will be constructed to hide the park from view.
Contribution to the local community
In terms of social integration, Chint Solar will contribute to the foundation Stichting Gebiedsfond Stadskanaal op Zon. That foundation manages the funds for the area and operates entirely independently from both the municipality and the developers. The foundation has already been able to help realize several projects financially thanks to the contributions made by developers of solar parks.
Jan Bessembinders, chairman of the local fund: “We are delighted with Chint Solar’s contribution because it means that we can once again support various sustainability projects. The contribution will be used for various purposes, e.g., to make social housing more sustainable, to install solar panels and LED lighting, often at social organizations such as sports clubs, hospices or museums.”
Return to Stadskanaal
Mark van Rij, Head of Business Netherlands at Chint Solar: “After having previously realized another project in Stadskanaal, we look forward to start working in the municipality again. The start of Zonnepark Vleddermond is a first step in making an important contribution to the energy transition and sustainability ambitions of the municipality of Stadskanaal.”
