Jun 21, 2010 | Amsterdam Nuon opens Almere solar island on first day of summer
On the longest day of the year and the beginning of the summer, Monday 21 June, Nuon officially opens the solar island in Almere. The solar island comprises 520 solar collectors with a total surface area of 7,000 m2. These collectors capture the heat of the sun and heat cold water to a temperature of 70 degrees Celsius, thereby providing heating to 2,700 homes in the adjacent new residential district Noorderplassen West.
The solar collectors on the sun island will generate 9,750 Gigajoules of renewable energy every year. That is sufficient for around 10 per cent of the heating requirements of the Noorderplassen-West residential district. The homes receive the other 90 per cent of the heating in the form of residual heat from the co-generation plant in Almere.
Through the use of these renewable heat sources the CO2 emissions in Noorderplassen-West will be more than 50 per cent lower than in districts where the homes are heated by gas.
Homage to nature
The opening is to be carried out by a number of schoolchildren from two schools in Almere who will dance around a traditional may tree. Planting a may tree is an ancient custom and a ritual to celebrate the start of summer. An appropriate way to wish the solar island a sunny future!
Invitation
The official opening of the solar island takes place from 15.30 to 17.30. A guided tour will be given after the opening. If you would like to attend the opening, you can register via mediarelaties@nuon.com
Facts about the Almere solar island
- 520 solar collectors
- 7,000 m2 surface area of collectors
- 15,000 m2 total surface area of solar island
- 2,700 households connected
- 10% of the heating requirements generated in the solar island, enough for a million showers a year • 9,750 Gigajoules of energy supplied annually
- More than 50% reduction in CO2 emissions