The capacity of solar panels in Brussels has skyrocketed since support measures have spurred more people, and businesses, to install the technology.
Across the capital, there are numerous solar panel installations on the roofs of homes and large businesses. The number of installations has risen by more than 150% since 2019 and the total capacity generated in the Brussels region has doubled to 260 MWp.
When running at full capacity, this corresponds to the annual electricity consumption of more than 110,000 Brussels households, the region's Energy and Climate Transition Minister Alain Maron said on Tuesday.
"I welcome the strong growth of photovoltaic energy in Brussels; it is an essential part of our energy transition to combat climate change and provide a healthy living environment for Brussels residents," said Maron, who oversees the support system for renewable energy.
He added that, as a result of the renewable energy produced by the growing number of solar panels on Brussels rooftops, the region can avoid emitting around 85,000 tonnes of CO2. This also ensures Brussels residents can be offered green energy at a stable price.
Maron also pointed to the power of energy sharing: since May 2022, Brussels has allowed residents to share the solar energy produced on the best-oriented roofs, which he says provides another push towards the energy transition. Now, almost 500 Brussels households are sharing energy using locally produced renewable energy.
Related News
- Belgium's green energy ambitions: Could we really go without fossil fuels?
- Explained: What support can you receive in Belgium for energy-efficient renovations?
Large, energy-consuming companies in the capital, such as Hydria (which manages water supply in Brussels) are also investing in solar panels. Hydria is investing more than €700,000 to install 1,000 solar panels on the roofs of its treatment plant in Brussels South.
With a capacity of about 500 kWp, the installation will cover the annual electricity needs of all the administrative buildings on the site, making it possible to cut around 140 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.
