Genk, Belgium – A groundbreaking solar PV rooftop installation was unveiled in Genk by SABIC, ENGIE Belgium, and Solarge, with the presence of Mayor Wim Dries. The project, capable of generating 2,000 MWh of renewable electricity annually, will cut carbon emissions by 800 tons per year.

During the event, Mayor Dries expressed pride in Genk’s renewable energy initiatives, describing the project as a major milestone for the city.

“In Genk, we are dedicated to advancing renewable energy. SABIC’s innovative solar panels represent a win-win for the company and our city: sustainable energy generation and reduced carbon emissions for all,” said Dries.

Innovative Solutions for Renewable Energy

Vincent Verbeke, CEO of ENGIE Belgium, highlighted the company’s commitment to advancing renewable energy technology, praising the installation’s lightweight, circular solar panels as a smart choice for industrial rooftops.

“Our R&D center, Laborelec, identified these cutting-edge panels as ideal for roofs with limited load-bearing capacity. This technology aligns with ENGIE’s vision of installing 300 MW of solar capacity across Belgium by 2030,” Verbeke stated.

The event also included a site visit to the SABIC facility, where 4,599 solar panels cover a total area of 13,600 square meters. Weighing less than 7 kg/m², these panels will produce enough electricity to power 700 households annually over the next 25 years.

A Leap Towards Sustainability

The solar panels feature an innovative design with fully separable layers, enabling easy disassembly and component reuse. Constructed with advanced polymers developed by SABIC in Genk, the panels are glass-free, use minimal aluminum, and are 50% lighter than conventional alternatives, reducing their carbon footprint by 25%.

Lada Kurelec, General Manager Polymers T&I at SABIC, emphasized the project’s sustainability focus.

“This achievement showcases our material innovation and collaboration across the value chain to drive material circularity and carbon neutrality,” said Kurelec.

Expanding Solar Capacity

Jan Vesseur, CEO of Solarge, highlighted the importance of European innovation in accelerating the global energy transition. Solarge plans to expand its capacity in the Netherlands and the U.S., targeting weight-restricted industrial and commercial rooftops.

“Our recyclable, PFAS-free panels unlock new rooftop potential while alleviating pressure on overloaded energy grids,” Vesseur remarked.

This pioneering project underscores the power of collaboration and innovation in driving the energy transition forward. Congratulations to SABIC, ENGIE, and Solarge for this remarkable achievement.