Belgian postal operator Bpost has more than doubled its solar power capabilities after unveiling new installations at its Charleroi and Liège sorting centers. The 6,500 solar panels cover an area of 17,000m² (180,000ft²), effectively doubling its existing 15,000m² (160,000ft²) footprint.
The roof installations will generate 1,700,000kWh annually, equivalent to the yearly consumption of around 500 households. It is expected that most of the energy produced will be consumed locally. The buildings have also been equipped with energy-saving systems including LED lighting, thermal insulation, and energy-efficient heat ventilation and air conditioning.
Koen Van Gerven, CEO of Bpost, said, “Our goal is to deliver every letter and every parcel with the smallest possible impact on the environment, based on a series of initiatives that make our vehicles and buildings greener. The partnership with Engie not only helps us build on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, but also enables us to live up to our reputation as the greenest postal operator every single day.”
Philippe Van Troeye, CEO of Engie Benelux, the supplier of the solar installations, said, “With Engie Sun4Business we have the ambition to achieve 60 MWp of installed capacity in Belgium by 2020. As the country’s biggest green energy producer (614 MW), and with our 17,000 professionals in Belgium, this fits in perfectly with our goal of continuing to invest in green energy and taking the lead in the energy transition.”
July 3, 2017