How do you convert a former waste dump into a site that generates sustainable energy?

The solution
Evelop created a solution involving the large-scale application of sustainable energy technologies. The Gansoyensesteeg waste dump, located north of Waalwijk in the province of North Brabant, had not been in use since 1987, and the former status of the site made it difficult to find a new use for it. Ecopark Waalwijk was established for the purpose of increasing the supply of sustainable energy in the Netherlands in general and in Waalwijk in particular. Old waste on the former disposal site on Gansoyensesteeg is being ingenuously converted into biogas. The site also provides solar power technology, accommodating a solar power station featuring 4,200 solar panels. Five additional wind turbines complete the mix of sustainable energy technologies. Since 2005, Ecopark Waalwijk has been supplying enough sustainable energy to serve 6,000 Waalwijk households.

Technology in a nutshell

• Solar energy

A solar panel transforms light into electricity using photovoltaic conversion (PV). Ecopark is equipped with a total of 4,200 of these solar panels.

• Wind energy 

The wind is captured by the rotor blade of the windturbine, which is used to drive a generator that produces electric power. Ecopark Waalwijk comprises five wind turbines with a capacity of 1.5 MW each.

• Biogas

The isolating layers at soil used to cover the waste dump cause the organic matter under the soil to decompose naturally, a process that releases a number of different gases. These gases are collected by a gas extraction system and directed to a power installation (a gas engine) with a capacity of 234 kW, where they generate green energy.
Ecopark Waalwijk shows how old waste can be put to good use and – with the help of the latest technologies – be developed to generate electric power for an entire community.

Partnerships
Evelop’s partners in the Ecopark Waalwijk project are the municipality of Waalwijk, energy company Eneco, Shell Solar and consultancy firm Artin BV. Evelop has contributed to the development of Ecopark Waalwijk by providing a wide range of services.