Protest against 2 ha of floating solar panels

Now people mainly go there to enjoy nature, and you can also swim there. Owner De Watergroep and the city show understanding for the protest, but are awaiting the studies.

The floating solar panel island on De Put van Nieuwkapelle is a pilot project for similar and larger plans by De Watergroep on the Blankaart reservoir in Woumen, after a thorough renovation within a few years. ‘We want to find out what the impact of those solar panels could be on water quality. Also for algal blooms, for example. And there are also studies that indicate that solar panels that are cooled on water would provide a better return,’ says Kathleen De Schepper of De Watergroep.

Power for 530 families

In this way, electricity is generated at De Put for 530 families. De Watergroep has already met with the city for this. Marc Deprez, ships: ‘We will certainly go along with that story. Also in view of the fact that we have already licensed 8 small windmills in Diksmuide, which is unique in Flanders. And so we go along with this as well. Wind and solar energy are complementary.’ Kathleen De Schepper adds: ‘We have now carried out the first exploratory studies, the intention is to look for a technical partner in the short term. And then of course we have to apply for an environmental permit, so if the entire process goes smoothly, I think that the installation can be completed by the end of 2023.’

Protest

But there are also protests. Because even though it is not officially a recreation area, many people enjoy the peace and nature here. Petitions have already been started on social media. Seppe Rondelez: ‘I grew up here. I learned to fish here. This is the only place in the area where we can be together. With such a beautiful nature. I’d think it stupid if that got out of here.’

‘The impact on fauna and flora is part of the research’, says Kathleen De Schepper of De Watergroep. ‘That must be included in the environmental permit application. All those aspects are included in that.’ Ships Deprez concludes: ‘I understand the concern and concern of some people. It is a nice nature reserve. Nice to stay. But after all, we also need to look for alternatives to energy. And we have to take advantage of this. Especially now.’