Project subtitle

With solar energy, from agriculture to nature

Projects Solar park Houtvennen - Maashorst

Novar is developing a solar park in combination with nature development near the Houtvennen. On February 8, 2024, we submitted a tender for this in the municipal tender. We are developing a solar park that also has added value for the surrounding area. That is why we want to involve as many residents and stakeholders as possible and let them benefit.

Want to know more about this project?

For more information, email michiel.terbeek@novar.nl or liza.koch@novar.nl


18.256Solar panels on the ground
12.1 MWpPeak annual power
3.868Households provided

What is the location of the solar farm?

The Houtvennen plan area is located in the Houtvennen north of Volkel Air Base and south of the Trentsebos, in the Maashorst municipality.

Novar chose this site based on the June 2021 policy memorandum on large-scale solar and wind energy generation in Maashorst. The project site is 8.2 hectares, of which we will use about 3.9 hectares for the solar panels. The remaining acres will be used for landscaping.

What does the solar park look like?

We want to develop the solar park so that it fits in with its surroundings. In the area surrounding the plan area, nature plays an important role. For example, several nature reserves have been designated around the plan area and the plan area borders three existing nature reserves.

The location makes this site very well suited as a transition area, where we develop lasting nature within the plan area. While we generate sustainable energy for 30 years, we create lasting value for the local ecology and biodiversity during and after the operating phase of the solar park. This is also an emphatic desire from the surrounding area and the nature alliance.

Battery

Part of the project plan is the installation of an energy storage system (battery) at the solar park. At this solar park we will realize a 10MW/40MWh battery. At times when the electricity grid is overloaded, the battery will be used to supply or withdraw stored electricity, thus preventing grid congestion.

Our process

Where are we now?

Currently we are still in the beginning of the process. We have held initial discussions with the surrounding area and local interest groups, and a walk-in evening has been organized. The input collected has been incorporated into the project proposal where possible. On February 8, 2024, we submitted this project proposal for the municipal tender. In early May 2024, the municipality will let us know which project can proceed in order to proceed with the development towards the permit application.

Planning continued participation process

This does not yet mean that we can start building the solar field. There will first be a participation process with the surrounding area, studies still need to be conducted, and technical calculations and drawings still need to be made. Only once the permit has been submitted will the municipality decide whether to grant the permit.

Financial participation

When we are told in May that we may proceed with the permit application, we will take up further development with the local energy cooperative Uleco. They will become 50% local owners of the solar park. This means that residents of the Maashorst municipality will be able to invest and benefit from the proceeds of the solar farm through Uleco.

Do you have a question or want to know more about this project?

Maybe you can immediately find the answer at the frequently asked questions about this solar park: FAQ Solar Park Houtvennen Maashorst

For other questions or comments, please contact us at michiel.terbeek@novar.nl or liza.koch@novar.nl

Ecology at the solar farm

How does this solar farm contribute to the energy transition?

The energy task of the Maashorst municipality is 0.15 TWh in 2030. The municipality will fulfill this task with sustainable energy. Once solar panels have been installed on all suitable buildings in Maashorst (40% of the task) and 25% energy savings have been achieved, sustainable energy must also be generated on the land in order to meet the targets. This remaining energy demand can be met by using 55 hectares of land for solar panels.

With an area of about 8.2 hectares and an expected generation of about 10,600 MWh/year, solar park Houtvennen can make a valuable contribution to the energy transition

Last edited February 15, 2024

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