June 9 - The board of directors of Antwerp Port Authority has decided to permit the installation of photovoltaic systems within the port area, under certain conditions. In this way renewable energy can be obtained from solar power as well as wind and geothermal power, in line with the intentions for sustainable energy use laid down by the Port Authority in its Climate & Energy environmental vision.

Previously the port authority, in its capacity as distribution network operator, was hampered by special circumstances on the right bank of the Scheldt. Since the port area on the right bank is relatively small (530 ha) in relation to the space that would be taken up by solar panels, the distribution network costs for users would be particularly high. Furthermore, the Port Authority would be obliged to buy up all green electricity certificates for this area that are not traded. In the board's opinion, the resulting sharp increase in electricity rates would adversely affect the competitive position of companies in the port.

However, the Flemish government has decided to introduce the 'limited solidarisation mechanism' in order to share out the costs for investments in green energy more fairly. Under the terms of this measure the board has decided to permit the use of photovoltaic systems with sufficient installed capacity to cover the quarterly peak consumption (i.e. the winter peak) within the concession area of the company concerned.

The decision by the board has been welcomed by private companies in the port area. The Port Authority is now considering whether it will install its own photovoltaic systems, and if so at which locations. In the meantime, the Port Authority is closely monitoring government decrees, so as to be able to take advantage of the latest developments.