Syntraal and MapGear collaborated on a Solar Zoning Map for Flanders. The project identifies solar potential and constraints, helping policymakers make smarter and more sustainable energy decisions.
The Government of Flanders has commissioned a preliminary study for its own Solar Zoning Map. This initiative covers 13,625 km² to identify opportunities for solar energy. The research starts this month and focuses on useful data for regions such as Antwerp, Ghent, Kortrijk, and Leuven.
Flanders has set ambitious climate goals. To achieve them, policymakers need clear insights into solar investments, efficiency, and the impact of renewable energy within the Belgian region. The key questions are: where are the most promising areas for collective solar projects, and how can residents participate in local or cooperative energy initiatives?
To support these decisions, consultant Joris van de Ven (Syntraal) and Geo-ICT specialist Egbert Griffioen (MapGear) began preliminary research for the new Flemish Solar Zoning Map.
“We combine data on potential energy generation with consumption patterns of companies and households. This provides a clear view of where solar opportunities lie within each city,” explains Joris.
Reliable data is essential for the tool’s success. “Quality datasets form the foundation of this research. Our task is to identify which data exists in Flanders, assess its quality, and determine its usability,” says Joris.
MapGear and Syntraal have years of experience visualizing solar energy potential. “Many municipalities and provinces in the Netherlands and Belgium already use our Zonnekaart,” explains Egbert. “That tool calculates solar potential based on public data such as building and address files, elevation models, and aerial photos. This experience is very valuable for Flanders.”
The project includes interviews with municipal experts, knowledge centers, and climate agencies. Data privacy and access remain critical topics. “One of our priorities is how to safely use sensitive data. We anonymize and process it in such a way that no address-based information can be traced,” Joris adds.
Syntraal is also exploring shared solar concepts in Belgium, where residents and businesses jointly install solar panels and share the generated energy among multiple investors.
“Generating and consuming solar energy locally is very appealing. This cooperative approach could strongly encourage neighborhood-based projects supported by the Solar Zoning Map,” says Joris.
Although shared solar is still in its early stages, pilot projects and case studies aim to provide better insights for future applications. “This research may also offer useful inspiration for municipalities in the Netherlands,” he adds.
The project’s first results are expected in spring 2022. Several visual mock-ups of the Flemish Solar Map will be created to show what the tool might look like in practice. These prototypes will help policymakers understand its usability and impact.
“This is our largest joint project to date,” says Joris. “It is a great opportunity to apply our expertise in Flanders.”
Egbert adds: “It is exciting to see how ambitious the Government of Flanders is about solar energy. We expect this research will deliver valuable data and insights to support those ambitions.”
Would you like to learn more about this project, or about the data and insights Syntraal and MapGear provide in the field of solar energy?
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