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Making heritage sites more sustainable: Visit of the Abattoir Market in Brussels

Solar Power Europe and EuropeOn visited the Abattoir of Anderlecht, an important protected site in Brussels where innovation meets heritage.

Another good inspiration to draw from for our EU-funded Increase project!



The Abattoir of Anderlecht is a 19th century Brussels protected site built in 1888 as a slaughterhouse that was later converted into a covered market attracting thousands of visitors. As part of a restoration project, in 2021 its roof was covered in solar panels, making it the largest Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) installation in an urban setting in Europe, with more than 1.2 hectares. The restoration of the Abattoir’s rooftop is a relevant case study that can serve as an example for projects like Increase. It shows how Integrated Photovoltaic (IPV) technology allows for the incorporation of sustainable solutions into the city while preserving the beauty and aesthetics of heritage buildings.


The modernization of a listed monument

One of the key objectives of the restoration project was respecting the original aesthetics of the roof, as the Abattoir is a protected historical site. For this purpose, the company Skysun worked under the supervision of architect Tars Stevens, in charge of the conservation of the site, to preserve the original appearance of the monument. By using an innovative BIPV solution called Zinclike, it was possible to imitate the original zinc rooftop while making it more sustainable and energy-efficient.

The renovation of the Abattoir perfectly represents the core values of the New European Bauhaus (NEB): sustainability, aesthetics, and inclusion. The NEB seeks to build a more sustainable future by implementing innovative solutions that are also visually pleasant; a rationale that is shared by our Increase project.

In this way, the Abattoir is an innovative example that can inspire the development of other IPV projects in urban areas.

 

The Abattoir’s rooftop produces energy for more than 700 households

Thanks to the installation of over 5,800 solar panels, the Abattoir has become the largest BIPV installation in an urban setting in Europe. It produces more than 1,600 megawatt-hours of electricity, which is equivalent to the consumption of over 700 homes. Approximately one-third of the energy produced by the IPV rooftop is self-consumed, while the remainder is sold directly to end consumers, primarily to the bio supermarket The Barn.

This innovative solution brings consumers closer to energy producers, positively contributing to the community. In fact, this installation has engaged with the community from the very beginning, as its setup by Skysun was made possible through a crowdfunding campaign.

As partners in the Increase project, it was highly valuable for Solar Power Europe and EuropeOn to visit the Abattoir and learn more about this pioneering IPV installation in the European capital.



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