New Hollandscheveld solar park offers space for 8,000 panels

Hollandscheveld appears to be a popular destination for building solar parks. A new solar park could be built between the Hollandschevelde Opegende, the extended Meestercramerweg and the Langedijk. There is a plan of 8,000 panels over three hectares of land.

The energy produced can provide electricity to more than 750 homes. A 26 hectare solar park is also planned on the south side of the A37 between Hollandscheveld and Nieuwlande. The two parks must help achieve the climate objective of the municipality of Hoogeveen.

Sheep

The land is currently owned by the agrarian company Wolters-Veldink, which is mainly used for agriculture. After discussions with local residents, it was agreed that a green strip will be created along the southwest and north sides of the park. This should ensure that the solar park is not visible.

The panels will have a maximum height of 1.8 meters above ground level. A distance of 1.5 meters is maintained between the panels. “This lets in enough sunlight, which promotes soil life and provides opportunities for sheep grazing,” the initiator writes in the design.

Finally, the Institute for Nature Conservation Education (IVN) Hoogeveen was called in for advice. During field visits, sea frogs were found in the western and eastern streams. “Both waterways will be retained in the design. Direct damage to the frog’s breeding water is therefore not a problem,” the institute said.

Allocation

Agreements have been made with local residents of the Hollandschevelde Opgelegen, can be read in the plans. They have a courtyard with a clear view of the project area. In return, residents are offered a set of ten solar panels with a converter.

In order to involve the inhabitants of Hollandscheveld more in the plan, the initiator makes 5% of the land available for local projects. For example to create a local energy cooperative. Under the Cooperative Energy Production (SCE) subsidy scheme, this could be done at a reduced amount.

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