MECC Maastricht has taken an important step in the implementation of its sustainability strategy with the installation of 1,532 new solar panels, generating an annual energy supply of 650,000 kWh. These solar panels will enable MECC Maastricht to meet 20% of its energy needs. Setting the bar high to achieve maximum sustainability gains, the event venue is well on its way to becoming a net-zero enterprise by 2050. This is a joint effort with the Municipality of Maastricht, the owner of the buildings. Today, aldermen John Aarts and Alain Garnier, along with MECC Maastricht General Director Rob van de Wiel, officially inaugurated the solar-powered plant.
Solar-powered plant
In 2017, 1,054 solar panels were installed, and the addition of 1,532 new solar panels on the roof of the West Hall brings the total number of solar panels at the venue to 2,586. Together these panels generate a total of 928,000 KWH per year, enough to supply electricity to 310 households for one year, by way of comparison. An ultra-light solar panel solution without an overly heavy load was necessary given the fact that heavy structures are hung from the ceiling during events. This was why the company Innovi-roof in Hoensbroek opted for a solar panel solution with the ingenious Soprasolar feet that are installed under the panels. These feet enable the solar panels to be mounted higher off of the roof surface, creating more space for sunlight and generating more energy. Both the front and back of these Bifacial solar panels generate energy, maximising reflected sunlight. The panels are made of durable glass that is resistant to extreme weather conditions.
#MissionZeroMaastricht
#MissionZeroMaastricht is an initiative of the City of Maastricht, and its goal is to ensure a climate-neutral city by 2050. To achieve this, it works with businesses, organisations and residents to explore a variety of options, all in the name of #MissionZeroMaastricht. For its own real estate properties, including MECC Maastricht, the municipality limits energy use wherever possible and also generates as much sustainable energy as it can.
John Aarts, Alderman for Mobility, Urban Management, Sustainability and Hospitality for the Maastricht City Council: ‘By expanding the number of solar panels at MECC Maastricht, we are taking another solid step towards a more sustainable Maastricht. This partnership shows how we work closely with our partners to realise our ambition: a climate-neutral city by 2050. MECC Maastricht is an inspiring example in this regard.’
Rob van de Wiel, General Director of MECC Maastricht: ‘Many of our events are held during the day which means we can use the power generated immediately. Not only does this yield immediate cost savings, but it also makes us less dependent on fossil energy. We purchase the rest with Guarantees of Origin, indicating energy generated by wind, water and sun. Thanks in part to these measures, we will be emitting 46% less CO2 in 2030 than we did in 2019. We are clearly on our way to an energy-neutral MECC Maastricht in 2050.’
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