Belgian Zoo Pairi Daiza Completes 62,750 Solar Panel Installation on 80% of Parking Spaces

In a groundbreaking achievement, Pairi Daiza, a renowned zoo in Brugelette, Hainaut province, Belgium, has successfully completed the installation of 62,750 solar panels on approximately 80% of its 7,000 parking spaces. This innovative project, which began in 2020 and expanded in 2023-2024, demonstrates the zoo's commitment to sustainability and renewable energy. The solar carport, developed with Perpetum Energy, not only generates clean energy but also provides shade for visitors and electric vehicle charging points. With a peak output of 20 MW, the system meets and exceeds the zoo's energy needs, with a surplus of 30% exported to the Belgian grid. This remarkable achievement has garnered international attention, showcasing the potential for innovative solutions in urban infrastructure and the importance of sustainable development. Pairi Daiza, located on the historic grounds of the former Cambron Abbey, has been a leader in conservation and animal welfare for over two decades. Founded in 1994 by lawyer Eric Domb, the zoo has grown into a 75-80 hectare immersive theme park with over 7,000 animals across 800 species, a record-breaking tropical greenhouse, and a reputation as Europe's Best Zoo, as voted by Parkscout.de. The zoo's commitment to sustainability is evident in its goal of achieving 100% green energy by 2034, which drives initiatives like the solar carport. With a projected annual energy production of 39,800 MWh, equivalent to powering approximately 11,350 households, the project is a significant step towards reducing the zoo's carbon footprint. The solar carport is designed to integrate seamlessly with the existing parking infrastructure, with panels mounted on elevated wooden frameworks that allow for full parking functionality below. This approach not only reduces the carbon footprint of the structure but also provides a unique visitor experience. As visitors park their cars beneath the solar panels, they are surrounded by the zoo's lush greenery and the sounds of the natural environment, creating an immersive experience that blends humans, animals, and nature.

Key Facts

Pairi Daiza's solar carport is one of the largest in the world, covering approximately 10 hectares of the parking area. The project was developed in collaboration with Perpetum Energy, a leading solar energy company, which also provided the innovative wooden structures for the carport. The solar panels have a peak output of 20 MW, exceeding the zoo's energy needs and generating a 30% surplus that is exported to the Belgian grid. The project was financed through third-party investment, with a total cost of around €40 million. The zoo's commitment to sustainability is guided by its goal of achieving 100% green energy by 2034. To achieve this goal, the zoo has implemented various initiatives, including the solar carport, which is expected to reduce the zoo's carbon footprint by a significant amount. The zoo's sustainability efforts have also earned it recognition from various organizations, including the Michelin Green Guide, which has awarded it three stars.

Background and Profile

Pairi Daiza was founded in 1994 by lawyer Eric Domb on the historic grounds of the former Cambron Abbey. The zoo has since grown into a 75-80 hectare immersive theme park with over 7,000 animals across 800 species. Pairi Daiza has received numerous awards and recognitions, including being voted Europe's Best Zoo multiple times by Parkscout.de. It has also earned three stars in the Michelin Green Guide for a decade and received Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice honors.

The Solar Carport Mission

The solar carport at Pairi Daiza is a groundbreaking project that demonstrates the potential for innovative solutions in urban infrastructure. The project was developed in collaboration with Perpetum Energy, which provided the innovative wooden structures for the carport. The solar panels have a peak output of 20 MW, exceeding the zoo's energy needs and generating a 30% surplus that is exported to the Belgian grid.

Technical Details of the Solar Carport

The solar carport is designed to integrate seamlessly with the existing parking infrastructure, with panels mounted on elevated wooden frameworks that allow for full parking functionality below. The panels are supported by wooden structures that reduce the carbon footprint of the structure compared to steel. The carport has 11 kW charging stations, which require personal cables and cost around €0.10 fixed + €0.67/kWh. The system covers approximately 10 hectares of the parking area and has a peak output of 20 MW.

Implications and Impact

Pairi Daiza's solar carport has significant implications for the zoo's sustainability goals and the wider community. The project demonstrates the potential for innovative solutions in urban infrastructure and the importance of sustainable development. The zoo's commitment to sustainability is evident in its goal of achieving 100% green energy by 2034, which drives initiatives like the solar carport. The project is expected to reduce the zoo's carbon footprint by a significant amount and has already received recognition from various organizations, including the Michelin Green Guide.

Next Steps

Pairi Daiza's solar carport is a model for sustainable development and innovative infrastructure. The zoo's commitment to sustainability is evident in its goal of achieving 100% green energy by 2034, which drives initiatives like the solar carport. The project demonstrates the potential for innovative solutions in urban infrastructure and the importance of sustainable development. As the zoo continues to grow and develop, it is likely to explore new initiatives and technologies to reduce its carbon footprint and achieve its sustainability goals.

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Conclusion

Pairi Daiza's solar carport is a groundbreaking project that demonstrates the potential for innovative solutions in urban infrastructure. The project's peak output of 20 MW exceeds the zoo's energy needs and generates a 30% surplus that is exported to the Belgian grid. The carport's innovative design, which integrates seamlessly with the existing parking infrastructure, has set a new standard for sustainable development in urban areas. As the zoo continues to grow and develop, it is likely to explore new initiatives and technologies to reduce its carbon footprint and achieve its sustainability goals.