Brussels – Belgian company Energy Solutions Group is mandated to dismantle 78,000 of its 230,000 solar panels at Schiphol Airport following a court ruling due to glare reported by pilots. CEO Bert Creemers highlighted urgent safety and financial concerns arising from this situation, reports 24brussels.
According to GVA News, the removal of the solar panels, which were causing significant glare issues for pilots, comes after legal action was taken to address safety risks. Positioned directly beneath the flight paths of the Polderbaan and Zwanenburgbaan runways, the panels posed a risk of temporarily blinding pilots during landings.
The court has ordered the owner, De Groene Energie Corridor (DGEC), to dismantle a specific portion of the panels in two phases, with removal deadlines set for September 1, 2025, and October 15, 2025. It is anticipated that the remaining 150,000 panels will also be removed swiftly. The glare incidents have already resulted in temporary runway closures and legal actions by Schiphol Airport and KLM to safeguard aircraft operations.
What risks does Belgian DGEC face after removing 78,000 Schiphol panels?
The problematic panels were constructed with lightly textured glass that reflects more sunlight than the preferred deep-textured alternative. Despite initial warnings about potential glare hazards, the municipality of Haarlemmermeer authorized the solar park’s establishment. Schiphol Airport has indicated that the other remaining panels also present risks and should be taken down.
The future viability of the solar park, known as the Groene Energie Corridor near Amsterdam, now hinges on a proposed structural solution involving multiple organizations. This collaborative effort aims to address the glare issue that has significant safety implications for aviation.
Various organizations have resumed negotiations with the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, with all participants committing considerable financial resources to support this plan. The specific financial contributions have not been publicly disclosed.
“The energy transition sometimes presents challenging issues. Thanks to the excellent collaboration with all parties involved, we can combine sustainable energy and aviation safety,”
Bert Creemers, director of DGEC and CEO of Energy Solutions Group, stated in a press release. The solar park was initiated by Belgian green energy firm Energy Solutions Group (ESG), headquartered in Heusden-Zolder. ESG invested €90 million in the project and acquired De Groene Energie Corridor in early 2024.
Construction commenced in July 2024, and the facility has been fully operational since May 2025, according to the company’s website. Earlier this month, DGEC issued a letter warning that mandated dismantling could precipitate bankruptcy.
