SUEZ and solar energy
Solar energy is the renewable energy source that, by its very nature, offers the greatest energy potential of all, inasmuch as every day the sun provides a huge quantity of energy, far in excess of the world?s total energy consumption. There is a distinction to be made between photovoltaic solar energy (electricity production) and thermal solar energy (heat production). The photovoltaic process converts sunlight into electricity by means of cells that are generally silicon-based, while the thermal process converts the sun?s rays into heat. The SUEZ Group strongly believes in this type of energy for the future and is pursuing a vigorous innovation policy to harness solar energy by seeking to increase its efficiency and profitability, and reduce its cost.
The SUEZ Group's know-how
In the area of thermal solar energy, Elyo, the Group subsidiary that specializes in energy and environmental efficiency, is building thermal solar energy facilities designed to maximize the recovery of heat from the sun. With respect to photovoltaic solar energy, in 2001 Electrabel, Total and IMEC established Photovoltech, a company that manufactures high-tech solar energy cells and panels. At the end of 2007, Photovoltech?s annual production capacity was 80 MWc. Similarly, Soltech, a subsidiary of Electrabel, has been marketing and installing complete photovoltaic solar energy systems since 1989. It is active in developing countries, including several in Africa, where it is working with various NGOs. Finally, Electrabel and its European subsidiaries are putting together a portfolio of projects involving ground-level power stations and installations on existing structures.
The Kamp C.(Westerlo) project in the Province of Anvers
The SUEZ Group, through its subsidiary Electrabel, has invested in a pilot project in Westerlo, Belgium, to construct a building that will be equipped with the latest generation photovoltaic cells. The photovoltaic systems, manufactured by Photovoltech at its Tirlemont plant, have been embedded into semi-transparent double-paned panels positioned on the south face of the building, as well as on the roof. The project was designed with a pedagogic perspective in mind: visitors could examine very closely how the panels were assembled and how they work, and always observe the quantity of electricity being produced, as well as the CO2 emissions being averted, thanks to a measuring counter.
Key Figures
The world?s solar energy market is growing at an annual rate of 30%. Photovoltech is planning a sustained increase in its production of photovoltaic cells, which by the year 2015 should enable it to capture a worldwide market share of between 4% and 5%. Near La Rochelle, Elyo is managing 1,500 m² of solar energy panels that, in the summer, provide hot water to nearby homes, schools and a supermarket, equivalent to the summertime consumption of roughly 1,200 dwellings.