Environmentally-aware company policy
The decision to invest in a solar power station fits into the business vision of an environmentally aware and socially responsible policy. “Besides our innovations in the field of development of sustainable building solutions, we consider it our duty to contribute actively to the realisation of the Kyoto targets for reductions in greenhouse gases, and to generate more electricity from renewable energy sources”, says Martine Reynaers, CEO of Reynaers Aluminium.
Sustainable development is an important innovation theme for Reynaers Aluminium. Recent ecological and energy-efficient innovations comprise: aluminium profiles with high thermal insulation values, external sunscreening that enable more energy-efficient management of buildings and double-façade solutions.
Solar energy power station
The photovoltaic installation will consist of 3,072 solar modules that will cover an area of 16,000 m². The system will generate 500,000 kWh of green electricity per year. This corresponds to the annual electricity consumption of 166 households. A traditional thermal power station of the same capacity would emit 280 tonnes of CO2 per year.
The solar modules are being installed on the roof of the new warehouse currently being built at the distribution centre in Duffel, and will cover the entire energy needs of the new warehouse. Electricity generated during the weekend will be fed into the municipal electricity grid.
The payback period for the project is calculated to be 9 years. The system will be operational from December 2007.
Key figures
PHOTOVOLTAIC ROOF INSTALLATION
Gross roof area 16,000 m²
Number of modules 3072
Total output 584 kWp
Annual production 500.000 kWh
Equivalent to electricity consumption 166 households
Reduction in CO2 emissions compared to a traditional thermal power station 280 tonnes