The construction of the photovoltaic island on the water body of the Perlonjour quarry in Soignies is about to begin! From now on, citizens can become co-owners… Eventually, it will produce enough energy to power nearly 1,650 Walloon households.

The project initiated by the City of Soignies in 2020 is now set to come to life. This “photovoltaic island,” composed of panels installed on the water body of the Perlonjour quarry, will generate renewable electricity while contributing to the local energy transition.

To carry out this ambitious and innovative project, Soignies is partnering with the citizen cooperative CLEF and the investment fund Green for Power SA (G4P).

Specifically, 12,500 photovoltaic panels will be installed on the water body of the Perlonjour quarry in 2024. Covering an area of 28,986 m², the park will be the size of four football fields, making it one of the largest floating photovoltaic parks in Wallonia.

With a maximum capacity of 6.124 MWp, its annual production is estimated at 5,695 MWh/year, which will supply renewable electricity to the equivalent of 1,630 Walloon households.

Priority for the residents of Soignies

The project has now passed all the steps needed for its realization: obtaining a single permit, acquiring the land rights for the quarry (owned by HOLCIM), and finally, through a public tender, the selection of the citizen cooperative CLEF and the investment fund G4P (owned by SOCOFE and Perpetum Energy BV) for the construction and operation of the park.

“As a signatory of the Covenant of Mayors, the City of Soignies is committed to fighting climate change and implementing sustainable energy policies,” says the Mayor, Fabienne WINCKEL. “We are committed to achieving—and even exceeding—the European CO₂ reduction goals and developing renewable energy on our territory. The photovoltaic island project is fully aligned with this approach, while allowing citizens to contribute to the local energy transition.”

Interested citizens can now come forward to become co-owners. It should be noted that the municipal council has required the future cooperative to give absolute priority to the residents of Soignies. They will be the ones who can purchase shares first. Beyond this initial priority, the project will then be open to other investors.