Aquafin commits to sustainability at North Mechelen site

Waste water treatment company Aquafin is fully committed to sustainability. The company has asked Witteveen+Bos for advice in providing green energy to the sewage treatment plant (RWZI) at their North Mechelen site. More specifically, they have requested that a study be done into the installation of a solar park with a peak capacity of 750 kW at a nearby rubbish dump. This will result in a renewable energy installation capable of providing approximately 25 % of the site’s energy needs.

Feasibility study and business case form basis for solar park

Alongside a feasibility study and business case, Witteveen+Bos will provide a design for the solar park which optimally aligns the installation’s total capacity with the electricity consumption at the location. We will also ensure that the design can be integrated environmentally as well as visually in the surrounding area. Thanks to effective spatial integration, the solar park will not influence the future functioning of the rubbish dump.

Witteveen+Bos oversees the entire process

In this feasibility study, we will pay particular attention to the geotechnical investigation, as the rubbish dump does not possess a stable foundation. In doing so, we will take not only stability into account, but also maintenance of the top layer. We will also prepare the permit request for Aquafin and advise them regarding the permit process and tender documentation as well as the realisation phase. Installing the solar park will provide the RWZI at Aquafin’s North Mechelen site with green energy for the coming 25 years.