In the municipality of Genk, Belgium, the world’s largest circular and lightweight solar installation was presented, located on the roof of the SABIC company.
This unique solar system generates 2,000 MWh of electricity annually, enough to meet the average annual consumption of nearly 700 households. The installation covers an area of 13,600 square meters and consists of 4,599 panels, which are significantly lighter than traditional ones—each weighing less than 7 kg per square meter. It is expected to reduce SABIC’s carbon dioxide emissions by 800 tons annually over the next 25 years, according to SolarPower Europe.
The distinctive feature of these solar panels is their fully circular nature—they are made from layers that can be easily separated, enabling the reuse of all components. Using innovative polymers produced in Genk, the panels contain no glass and only minimal amounts of aluminum, reducing their carbon footprint by 25 percent compared to conventional panels.
At the inauguration, attended by Genk’s mayor Wim Dries and representatives from SABIC, ENGIE Belgium, and Solarge, the importance of this project for renewable energy and CO₂ emission reduction was highlighted.
More:
- Romania Inaugurates New Solar Park with Energy Storage System
- Solar Parks Can Contribute to Nature Restoration in the EU
- 50.4 Million Euros Secured for the Largest Floating Solar Power Plant in Europe
Dries expressed pride in the city’s commitment to renewable energy sources, while Vincent Verbeke from ENGIE emphasized their ambition to install 300 MW of solar capacity across Belgium by 2030, using technology that allows panel installation on rooftops with limited load capacity.
The project is the result of collaboration among industry leaders, with sustainability emphasized at every stage, from materials to end-use. Jan Vesseur from Solarge highlighted the importance of recycling and announced plans to expand production capacities in the Netherlands and the United States. The focus will be on industrial and commercial rooftops with limited load capacity to optimize the use of solar technologies and reduce strain on power grids.
This pioneering project represents a significant step toward a sustainable energy future, combining innovation and material circularity to accelerate the energy transition and reduce the carbon footprint.
Energetski portal
