Cooperative project De Mussels has acquired the majority of the shares of the floating solar park De Mussels near Beilen from GroenLeven. With the signing, the cooperative is 51 percent owner of the park.
It is not known exactly how much the cooperative will pay for the ten-hectare park, but according to chairman Kees Kuik, it involves millions of euros. Money has been raised through various loans and crowdfunding. The other shares are held by the Drents Overijsselse Delta water board.
Local use
The cooperative project De Mussels was founded by local energy cooperatives in the municipality of Midden-Drenthe. “We also do this because we want to prevent foreign investors from taking advantage of the solar park. The profits and subsidies from the government then leak out abroad,” says Irene Verkerk of the cooperative. “The energy that is generated can be used by residents if they have Energie VanOns as a supplier. By allowing residents and companies in Central Drenthe to use sustainable energy, you create an energy cycle.”
The municipality of Midden-Drenthe is fully committed to local ownership of solar parks. Profits should be invested in local projects. That is also the aim at De Mussels. “At the moment, the local energy cooperatives are already financing small projects in their villages. The revenues from this park are now also being added. It is a profitable business, but it is true, we get the highest returns when we no longer have to pay interest and repayments. to pay.”