PSA Zeebrugge has commissioned a solar installation of nearly 1,900 panels, delivering an annual capacity of 770 megawatt-hours (MWh) at its terminal in Zeebrugge.
In a departure from conventional rooftop systems, the panels have been mounted vertically along warehouse façades, overcoming structural limitations that prevented roof-based deployment.
The project was delivered by Insaver, part of the Luminus Group, and inaugurated by Dirk De fauw, Mayor of Bruges.
The installation is among the largest vertical solar panel systems in Belgium. Its output is expected to meet around 50 per cent of the terminal’s electricity demand, while reducing emissions by 101.43 tonnes of CO2 annually, equivalent to the yearly emissions of approximately 220 Belgian households.
Dennis Verbeeck, General Manager, Multi-purpose division of PSA Belgium, said: “I am delighted that we are achieving our climate targets for our terminal in Zeebrugge in a creative and highly efficient way. Vertical solar panels are not common in Flanders, but we made it work as our terminal’s roof is unable to support the weight of regular solar panels.”
The development supports compliance with Flemish regulations requiring companies with annual electricity consumption above 1 gigawatt-hour to source part of their energy from solar power.
It also reflects a growing trend in ports to deploy alternative renewable solutions where space and infrastructure constraints limit traditional installations.
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Francis De Ruytter, Regional Head Sustainability PSA Europe, Mediterranean, and the Americas, said:
“While we already buy 100 per cent renewable electricity, we are investing significantly to meet the Flemish government’s CO2 emission-reduction requirements, while contributing to PSA International’s broader ambition to achieve net zero carbon emissions from its own operations and energy use by 2050.
“The Flemish government requires companies with an electricity consumption of more than 1 Gigawatt-hour per year to obtain part of that energy from solar panels. With this installation, we are meeting our photovoltaic obligations for the terminal in Zeebrugge, but also for our head office in Antwerp.”
From a technical standpoint, the project demonstrates how vertical solar deployment can be integrated into port infrastructure to optimise energy generation without requiring additional land or roof reinforcement.
Stijn Cuppens, CEO of Insaver, added: “By installing solar panels on its site, PSA doesn’t just reduce energy costs, it also contributes to the further decarbonisation of the electrical grid. At Insaver, we believe in tailor-made solutions, tailored to the specific needs and challenges of each customer.
“Together with PSA, we have developed an innovative approach that perfectly matches the unique context of their terminal. We are extremely proud to have been able to realize this exceptional installation and to be responsible for its maintenance and performance as a long-term partner.”
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The project also aligns with Luminus Group’s “Electrify2030” programme, which focuses on electrification to reduce emissions and strengthen energy independence.
PSA Belgium is assessing further steps to source 100 per cent of the terminal’s electricity from locally generated renewable energy as part of its broader decarbonisation strategy.
For more information:
PSA Zeebrugge – https://www.psa-zeebrugge.be/en
