Innovation and Sustainability: The Transformation of the Transfosite in Zwevegem
Innovation and Sustainability: The Transformation of the Transfosite in Zwevegem
In the heart of the former power plant in Zwevegem, a monument to the Industrial Revolution, a unique project is underway. The municipality of Zwevegem, Intercommunale Leiedal, and the province of West Flanders have joined forces to transform the Transfosite into a vibrant socio-cultural destination for the community. It is within this context that the RE/SOURCED project was born, an ambitious initiative that redefines the future of sustainable energy.
From Historical Heritage to a Sustainable Innovation Center
The Transfosite, located near the Bossuit-Kortrijk Canal, dates back to the 19th century. In 2004, the site was acquired with the goal of finding a new purpose that would enhance its social and cultural value. This led, among other things, to the RE/SOURCED project, made possible in part by financial support from the European UIA program. RE/SOURCED stands for Renewable Energy Solutions for Urban Communities based on Circular Economy principles and DC backbones. The project aims to develop a circular and self-sufficient energy system, supported by a local direct current (DC) power grid.
A technical feat: a fully renewable DC network
The goal of RE/SOURCED is to power the Transfosite entirely with locally produced renewable energy. The backbone of the system is a local direct current (DC) power grid, rather than the alternating current (AC) grid on which our distribution network normally operates. Around the year 1900, AC was the best choice for energy distribution due to its efficiency in long-distance transmission and compatibility with industrial machinery. Today, however, the situation has changed. Modern technologies such as LED lighting, laptops, and even industrial motors operate on direct current (DC). Furthermore, solar panels generate energy in the form of DC, which increases conversion efficiency when we use direct DC networks. It also reduces energy loss and saves on material and operational costs.
At the Transfosite, an extensive DC network is being built that directly integrates renewable energy sources and consumers. This increases energy efficiency and aligns seamlessly with the circular economy, while preserving the historic buildings.
Unique and innovative: the first of its kind in Flanders
It has only been in the last few years that we’ve been able, at the laboratory level, to convert and transmit high power using the DC principle. We’re seeing this in the PV sector as well: inverters that used to be the size of a refrigerator are now being replaced by devices the size of a shoebox. Transfosite is the first project in Flanders to build a DC grid. Another unique aspect is that it does not use traditional DC-AC inverters, but rather DC-DC inverters, which were custom-designed for this project by CE+T and will later be launched on the open market. We are connecting the solar panels installed by Solora to these newly developed inverters.
Vision for the Future: Impact on the Industry
If this project proves to operate without issues, and the cost analysis shows that it can also be a sound economic choice, it will spark interest among many SMEs, small industrial firms, and even large industrial partners (where the drive for energy savings is even greater) to contribute ideas and collaborate on such new initiatives. It makes sense that this is currently only possible with government support, given the still-high development costs.
Our Added Value: What Does Solora Do?
At Solora, our strength lies in our expertise in photovoltaic systems. In collaboration with CE+T, we have shared our knowledge to ensure the best possible integration of solar panels and inverters. Although our role in this project focuses on supply and installation, our contribution is crucial to the success of the RE/SOURCED project.
The Future of the Project
The installation of the PV panels is complete, and the next step is connecting them to the DC grid. We continue to work closely with all stakeholders to ensure the project proceeds as planned and to guarantee its long-term impact.
The RE/SOURCED project at the Transfosite in Zwevegem is an inspiring example of how historic sites can be transformed into hubs of technological innovation and sustainability. At Solora, we are proud to be part of this groundbreaking project and look forward to the positive changes it will bring to the solar energy industry.
© Images: Intercommunale Leiedal
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