Approximately 3.6 million m² of roof space is still available in Antwerp's largest industrial areas, equivalent to over 500 football fields. The city aims to maximize this potential for generating local green electricity.
The solar broker provides free and neutral guidance to companies and organizations, primarily targeting owners of large roofs (from 1,000 m²) or projects combining multiple roofs. The process includes assessing solar panel potential, energy sharing, and storage, along with support for technical, financial, and legal matters. The broker also facilitates connections between producers and buyers.
Given the increasing pressure on the electricity grid, the solar broker will now also assist large energy consumers facing grid congestion. Tailored solutions are sought, such as batteries or a coordinated approach to energy production, storage, and consumption among multiple companies, to reduce reliance on grid limitations.
“"With the free and neutral services of the solar broker, we want to help companies and organizations take the step towards solar energy. There are still many opportunities on our Antwerp rooftops. We must seize them as much as possible to generate local green electricity. This way, we not only make sustainable energy more accessible but also help organizations reduce their energy costs."
In 2025, the first projects were completed, where every euro invested by the city in the solar broker resulted in 18.7 euros of investment in solar panels. The installed panels will produce 5.2 gigawatt-hours of local green electricity annually, equivalent to the consumption of about 1600 households. With the expansion of services, Antwerp aims to reach more organizations in the coming years. More information and applications are available at www.antwerpen.be/zonnemakelaar.
