May 2021
Solar panels financed by citizens
Kraainem has set itself ambitious climate targets. To achieve this, it has decided to equip part of its municipal buildings with solar panels via citizen energy cooperatives in which all citizens can participate. A sustainable, participatory approach!
In December 2020, the local council decided to sign the Covenant of Mayors. This means a commitment at European level to implement an active climate policy to reduce CO2 emissions. With this in mind, we have entered into a partnership with the Druifkracht and Ecopower citizen energy cooperatives to install solar panels on the roofs of 3 municipal buildings: the town hall, the sports hall (insofar as the building’s stability allows) and the municipal depot.
What do these cooperatives do?
They take care of the complete technical study, the photovoltaic installation, operation and maintenance, and guarantee the proper functioning of the system. The project is 100% financed with money from cooperating citizens. The green electricity produced will then be used for the building at a lower rate than that currently paid by the municipality. However, the building will remain connected to the grid, so that an uninterrupted power supply is always guaranteed.
At the end of the contract (after 15 years), the municipality becomes the owner of the plant.
What are the benefits for citizens who become cooperators?
– The citizen receives a dividend.
– It has a say in the cooperative’s policies.
– It supports the local economy.
– It is a key player in the transition to renewable energies.
– Revenues are reinvested in the region.
“This project is a step in the right direction to reduce CO2 emissions in Kraainem and has no impact on the company’s finances. communal. In this way, the municipality is setting a good example in terms of climate policy while encouraging citizen participation.
Marie-France Constant, alderwoman
