GreenLeven receives grant for 260 megawatt peak of nature-inclusive solar farms
GreenLeven has received a subsidy through the Stimulation of Sustainable Energy Production and Climate Transition (SDE++ 2024) for the realization of three new solar parks in Groningen, Friesland and Gelderland. This award marks an important milestone in making the Netherlands more sustainable, as the solar parks not only generate sustainable energy, but also contribute to biodiversity and nature development in their surroundings. As much as 240 MWp is fully nature-inclusive and the remaining 20 MWp also actively contributes to strengthening local nature. Nature inclusiveness is something that GroenLeven has been committed to for years and these three projects reaffirm the value of this approach.
Nature-inclusive solar parks
GreenLeven's solar parks are developed with a clear focus on biodiversity and ecological value. This includes maintaining at least 25% of open space between panels, flower-rich meadows and creating habitats for birds, insects and other animals. A landscaping and management plan is prepared for each project that aims to maintain and enhance soil, water and ecological quality. This begins with a baseline measurement to identify the current state of these aspects. Throughout the life of the projects, GroenLeven continuously monitors the effects on soil, water and ecology, taking additional measures to ensure quality if necessary. This approach fits seamlessly with GroenLeven's vision to integrate renewable energy in a nature-inclusive way.
"With 260 megawatt peak nature-inclusive projects, we are not only contributing to the energy transition, but also to a greener environment."
Sander van Beers Head of Solar at GroenLeven.
Energy yield and CO₂ reduction.
The three solar parks have a combined capacity of 260 MWp, enough to provide green power to more than 85,000 households annually. This results in savings of tens of thousands of tons of CO₂ per year, a significant contribution to achieving the Dutch climate goals and GroenLeven's ambition to make the energy system in the Benelux CO2-free with 100% renewable energy sources.
Leading energy projects with consideration for nature and environment
"Achieving these projects is a milestone we are immensely proud of," said Sander van Beers, Head of Solar at GroenLeven. "This is the result of years of effort, innovative ideas and the involvement of local communities. At GroenLeven, we are always looking for opportunities to do more than just generate energy. We create doubles by giving back to the environment and actively collaborating with stakeholders and local residents."
The new solar parks exemplify what is possible when nature and renewable energy reinforce each other. "Despite the complex challenges in the sector, we continue to build leading projects that not only think big, but also do good. With smart, integrated solutions combined with storage, we contribute to the energy transition as well as to the environment in which we work."
