Energy farm Terranova in Ghent, Belgium
From phosphate gypsum landfill to energy park
In 2010, JV Terranova – a joint venture between Jan De Nul, Aertssen and DEME – became the new owner of the gypsum landfill in the port of Ghent. In previous business activities, about 20 million m3 of gypsum was dumped. After the bankruptcy of the previous owner, the site was neglected and left with serious risks. JV Terranova joins hands with Luminus and Nippon Gases to transform the site and established the new partnership Terranova Hydrogen NV.
The site will have a dual function. On the one hand, green electricity will be produced via solar panels and wind turbines. On the other hand, this power will be used to produce green hydrogen and supply 4,000 families with green energy.
An Smet, Director Environmental Activities at Jan De Nul:
Jan De Nul has a leading role in the development of sustainable energy projects and is a pioneer in energy transition. This project is a logical step for our company because it reflects both our commitment for renewable activities and care for the environment. Renewable energy takes on many shapes and the production of hydrogen by means of green energy on a location as Zonneberg is a perfect fit for our strategy. We look forward to seeing the entirety of Terranova in use and be an example for the industrial world.
Grégoire Dallemagne, CEO of Luminus:
Luminus wants to build a CO2-neutral energy future in which protecting the planet, human wellbeing, and economic growth are aligned with each other. This is our reason for existence. This project fits perfectly in our strategy and we are proud to contribute to its implementation.
Frank Rutten, Managing Director of Nippon Gases:
To reach a CO2-neutral world, it’s important to go from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. Nippon gases commits to aid its clients in making this transition in the future possible. This hydrogen production based on exclusively green energy is for us the example of what a climate neutral industry can look like. Together with the other partners, we hope to contribute to a future in which our children and grandchildren can live happily.
Terranova in numbers
Did you know?
- Terranova is one of the largest solar farms in the Benelux. With 55,000 solar panels spread over 22 hectares, the site can provide up to 15 MW of solar energy.
- Together with the wind energy generated on the site, the solar farm will provide the energy needed to produce 100% green hydrogen.
- The Terranova Solar farm won the highest award at Intersolar Europe – a leading trade fair in Munich for the solar industry.
Terranova in detail
First and foremost, the site was remediated. The consortium neutralised more than 700,000 m³ of acidic water from the phosphate gypsum landfill. The treated water was then discharged safely. We rearranged the phosphate gypsum in the landfill and laid a drainage network to collect and treat the leachate water. Afterwards, we covered the entire landfill in a regulatory manner to continue construction work.
Afterwards, the three companies worked together to build and exploit an electrolysis unit. This unit with a capacity of 2.5 MW will produce green hydrogen. The term ‘green hydrogen’ may only be used when the process of splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen is done via renewable energy – which is the case here. The wind and solar energy generated will be used to get the process going. The plant is also equipped with storage capacity, a compression and filling station. Moreover, there is the possibility of further expanding the plant up to 5 MW.
Meanwhile, the Gipsberg has been renamed Zonneberg. Now the conversion of the former brownfield to a green energy production centre continues.
