EUROPE - Conference and exhibition centre, Amsterdam RAI, is set to own the largest solar roof in the Netherlands when 1,632 solar panels are installed on the roof of Hall 8 in the coming weeks.
The solar panel system will provide 360,000 kilowatt-hours, equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of around 140 households. The solar panels also translate into a CO² reduction of around 150 tonnes a year. The solar panels will be put into use in early 2014.
Energy partner Nuon and Oskomera Solar Power Solutions are responsible for the solar roof on the RAI. Nuon already supplies district heating and energy to Amsterdam RAI including full compensation of the CO² emissions of the supplied electricity and gas. Over 60 per cent of the 12,000sqm roof surface will be covered in panels, the maximum load possible weight-wise considering the roof construction and the use of rigging during events.
The investment
 in solar panels on the largest hall of the RAI complex will cost €500,000 (US$675,000). This is financed by the Triodos Bank, the RAI’s house banks Deutsche Bank and Rabobank Amsterdam, and a loan from the Amsterdam Investment Fund, a city council initiative that supports investments in sustainable energy projects.
With the instalment of the 1,632 solar panels, Amsterdam RAI is taking the next step towards its goal of being a clear frontrunner in the conference and event industry in Europe with regards to sustainability. Amsterdam RAI is also looking into the possibility of placing solar panels elsewhere on the complex. It has already been decided that the soon-to-be-built RAI Amtrium building will also be equipped with solar panels.
Amsterdam RAI has recently partnered with N200.
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