Plan for ambitious project on Tholen
Zeeland offers space for an ambitious project: a solar park covering a whopping 45 hectares in the Weihoek near Poortvliet on Tholen. Five farmers are eager to develop this project together with LC Energy. With this park, which is as large as 64 football fields, almost 17,000 households can be supplied with electricity annually. Additionally, there are 15 hectares of land available for nature development around and within the solar panel field of the solar park.
Everyone has a voice
The success of the project depends on several crucial factors, such as the cooperation of the province and the municipality, the local residents and other stakeholders, as well as the capacity of the power grid. Currently, we are in the process of assessing community support and understanding people’s perspectives on the project. In this early phase, discussions have begun with stakeholders, including municipal officials and local residents.
While there is no specific policy for solar parks yet, the proposal is considered favorable. The support among local residents seems significant. The park is mainly adjacent to homes of three out of the five participants. However, there are also criticisms. One significant counterargument concerns preserving the landscape. Some residents want to continue enjoying their view over the meadows. Additionally, some fear that the value of their homes will decrease due to the project. We understand these concerns and greatly value giving everyone a voice and involving all stakeholders in the project. Therefore, we ask local residents to provide suggestions on how the landscape integration should be to make the project, if it proceeds, acceptable.
Below sea level
The Weihoek is one of the lowest-lying polders in Zeeland. The area lies several meters below sea level and faces issues with waterlogging. The soil consists largely of peat soil. If farmers lower the water level, the peat oxidizes, releasing CO2. A solar park can provide opportunities in addressing these threats. Lowering the groundwater level may not be necessary, thus limiting CO2 emissions. Also, the soil is becoming less suitable for traditional agriculture. The solar park is an opportunity to utilize the land’s value in a new and sustainable way. It could make a significant contribution to the region’s sustainability goals. The project is a step towards a greener future for Tholen.
Gijs van Heemstra – Project Leader LC Energy
