Home / News / New Energies

World’s largest solar plant based on circular economy opens in Genk

The solar plant will reduce 800 tons of CO₂ per year for at least 25 years by using energy directly in industrial processes.
By Ruth Arteaga on May 24, 2025
Instalan planta solar con paneles reciclables

In Genk, Belgium, three key players in the energy transition have joined forces to inaugurate the world’s largest solar power plant made from fully recyclable materials. The facility, built on the rooftop of the SABIC plant, was developed jointly with ENGIE and Solarge.

Solar panels without glass and with reduced footprint

The solution installed includes 4,599 solar panels designed under circular economy principles. Unlike traditional models, these panels have no glass and contain almost no aluminum. They are made of an innovative polymeric material developed by SABIC, which makes them 50% lighter and allows them to be installed on roofs with low structural load capacity.

[post_relacionado]

The design allows each component of the panel to be separated at the end of its useful life, facilitating its reuse. This technology represents a concrete step towards circularity in the photovoltaic sector.

These solar panels weigh half the weight of a traditional one
These solar panels weigh half as much as a traditional one and do not use glass, allowing them to be installed where it was previously impossible. Source: Solarge

Solar plant powers industrial production

ENGIE Sun4Business, a specialized subsidiary of ENGIE, was responsible for the financing, design and installation of the system. The plant will generate around 2,000 megawatt-hours of electricity annually, covering the equivalent consumption of around 700 homes. This energy will be consumed directly in SABIC’s production, reducing its emissions by about 800 tons of CO₂ per year.

From the Netherlands, Solarge has launched a model of solar panel solar panel adapted to European industry. Its PFAS-free and recyclable products have been validated by ENGIE’s R&D center in Laborelec as the best option for industrial roofs with structural constraints.

Jan Vesseur, CEO of Solarge, noted that the modular design of its panels allows each component to be recovered. This minimizes waste and extends the reach of solar energy to previously unused spaces.

A step towards industrial decarbonization

Lada Kurelec, SABIC’s chief technology officer, emphasized that this project integrates material innovation with climate objectives. The plant symbolizes the company’s commitment to renewable energy. renewable energy and the circular economy as pillars for reducing its carbon footprint.

Vincent Verbeke, CEO of ENGIE Belgium, confirmed that this technology will be extended to other industrial facilities. The group has set a target of deploying 300 megawatts of solar for the Belgian business sector by 2030.

This Genk facility marks a key advance in the integration of sustainable materials. sustainable materials, distributed solar energydistributed solar energy and circular models at the heart of European industry.

Follow us on social media and don’t miss any of our posts!

LinkedIn Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) TikTok

Source and photo: Solarge