Revitalizing a landfill: 1,800 MWh a year, enough for around 600 households in Wallonia.

Overview

This is an innovative project with a positive impact on the municipality of Limoy and its natural environment. In collaboration with SPAQuE, SunBuild and etherra are participating in the rehabilitation of the former landfill, transforming it into a greener space. The Walloon Region has classified the Limoy landfill as one of the most polluted sites in Wallonia. This environmental degradation stems from the site's past use as a sand pit and later as a disposal area for household waste and bulky items. SPAQuE is treating the polluted soil and restoring the degraded environment. Around thirty wells, equipped with pumps, have been installed throughout the waste mass to collect polluted water.

To accelerate the landfill's rehabilitation and provide green electricity to power these wells, etherra filed a single Class 2 permit application in Namur in November 2023. The plan involves installing solar panels on the site, along with a network of hedges. Part of the electricity generated powers the degassing facility, while the surplus is injected into the grid. The project is also compatible with local energy communities.

Challenge

Due to the site's residual but still present emissions, agricultural use of the land is not feasible. Instead, SunBuild and etherra install a ground-mounted solar farm with an east-west orientation to maximize electricity production, considering the land's sunshine exposure and orientation. To enhance biodiversity and improve the environmental quality of the surrounding area, a network of hedges will be planted around the project. PlantC, specializing in hedge diagnostics, has carefully selected hedge species that will aid in restoring the local ecosystem.

This solar farm project aligns with Wallonia's Recovery Plan, particularly its initiative to accelerate the rehabilitation of the most problematic landfills. In partnership with SPAQuE, the Walloon agency responsible for degraded land, SunBuild and etherra are contributing to the restoration of a deteriorated ecosystem. The solar panels will cover a 2.6-hectare area using zero-concrete technology.

Solution

The Project’s Contribution to Key Transitions:

Agricultural Transition

PlantC has selected hedge species that will support the restoration of the local ecosystem. A new tree hedge of approximately 150 meters will be planted along the eastern side of the site, featuring species similar to those already present in the area.

Environmental Transition

The project contributes to environmental rehabilitation by integrating sustainable vegetation and supporting local biodiversity.

Energy Transition

The growing need for renewable energy is driving a natural transition in energy policies. This project aligns with these objectives by contributing to the development of sustainable energy sources.

The Limoy solar farm will generate electricity for thirty years, with a capacity of 2.5 MWp from approximately 3,500 solar panels. The project is also compatible with a Renewable Energy Community.