Solar Park 't Rikkerink
From the summer of 2021 onwards, we will be generating green power for 4,350 households in Ambt Delden with Solar Park 't Rikkerink.
Why opt for a solar park?
We are constantly looking at how we can make the best possible use of locations to generate energy. The 't Rikkerink location has not been used for dumping waste for years. However, there is ample space on this terrain in Ambt Delden for a solar park. Starting September 2021, green electricity will be generated for 4,350 households on a terrain that is as large as 32 football fields (16 hectares). Two local energy cooperatives, ECHT and Hof van Twente op Rozen, will be participating in a section of the solar park.
Contribution to regional sustainability
With the 't Rikkerink solar park, Twence is making an important contribution to the regional ambition to generate 20% of its energy consumption from renewable sources by 2023. The solar park is in keeping with the ambition of Twence to be a regional sustainability company. One of the things we are focusing our efforts on is sustainable energy. After all, the more sustainable energy that is generated and used, the less natural gas will be needed and the lower the emissions of harmful substances will be, such as CO2. We are also looking at whether we can bring (new) raw materials back into the cycle. The use of bottom ash and sorted sieve sand in the sealing layer of the ''Rikkerink'' is a fine example of the application of new raw materials and circular economy.
Using circular construction materials
In 2017 we started working on the plans for the 't Rikkerink solar park together with local residents and the municipality of Hof van Twente. The former landfill site was first provided with three sealing layers to prevent rainwater from seeping through and to gradually clean up the groundwater underneath the landfill. This also provides a solid foundation for the solar park. For this foundation, we used a certified construction material or immobilised waste material, made up of bottom ash and screened sand. These are non-combustible residues that remain after burning leftover waste and after the recovery of valuable materials. By using bottom ash, less new gravel and sand is needed. Bottom ash is also used in the circular cycling path between the towns of Denekamp and Nordhorn.
How does a solar farm work?
A solar farm is a field filled with solar panels. These solar panels convert sunlight into electricity. The electricity is then fed into the electricity grid. The electricity reaches households and businesses via the electricity grid. Through digestion processes, landfill gas is also produced in the landfill mounds of 't Rikkerink. Twence captures this gas and uses it as an energy source.
Results
New zoning purpose
With the construction of the solar park, the former landfill site 't Rikkerink will be given a new, sustainable zoning purpose.
Guaranteed peace and quiet for surrounding residents
The arrival of the solar park means that those living nearby are guaranteed a peaceful environment.
“The solar farm will contribute to the energy transition and to reducing CO2 emissions in our region. This is how a landfill site becomes a sustainable energy supply source."
Gerwin Strieks, Project ManagerContact us
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Gerwin Strieks
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