In a pioneering move for sustainable energy solutions, Pairi Daiza has launched the world’s largest photovoltaic carport made entirely of wood. Grégoire Dewandeleer, project manager at Perpetum Energy, highlighted the significance of using 100% natural and renewable materials, a decision supported by partner Préfabois and aligned with Pairi Daiza’s environmental strategy.
Constructed from class 4 Douglas fir sourced from the Ardennes and PEFC-certified for sustainable forest management, the carport spans 200,000 m2 and features 93,786 photovoltaic panels. These panels, including Longi and Canadian Solar TOPCon bi-facial models, contribute to a total power output of 40 MWp, generating 39,800 MWh of green energy annually – sufficient to power 11,350 homes.
The €40 million investment project, recognized with a Green Solutions Award last year, was implemented in two phases. The infrastructure not only supports Pairi Daiza’s electricity needs but also reduces CO2 emissions by 13,930 tonnes annually.
“To accommodate the second phase of the photovoltaic carport and meet the park’s growing energy demands, significant upgrades were made to the infrastructure, including reinforcing wiring, replacing current transformers, and adjusting circuit breaker cells,” explained Dewandeleer.
Financed by Green4Power SA, a joint venture involving Perpetum Group and Socofe, the project positions Pairi Daiza as a leading provider of green energy. The park utilizes part of the electricity generated while surplus power is injected into the grid, supporting broader sustainability efforts amid the park’s expansion with electric vehicle charging stations and new animal park zones.
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