Solar parks Den Helder
We want to construct three solar parks in Den Helder on and around the site of the sewage treatment plant. HHNK is also creating a nature strip on the strip of land along the Balgzand Canal.
Where is the project taking place?
Solar parks are being constructed at three locations in Den Helder: on the Oostoever site, on the wastewater treatment plant site, and along the Balgzand Canal (Spuikanaal).
The wastewater treatment process at the WWTP consumes a lot of energy, particularly the aeration process. By installing solar panels around the WWTP, we can generate a significant portion of the energy required on site ourselves in a sustainable manner. The design of the solar park along the Balgzand Canal takes nature into careful consideration. Two nature strips will be created next to the solar park.
What's going to happen?
Approximately 1,100 panels will be installed on the wastewater treatment plant site, approximately 4,200 panels on the Oostoever site, and another approximately 6,900 panels along the Balgzand Canal. This brings the total to approximately 12,200 solar panels.
For the solar park on the Oostoever site, we are taking into account air traffic to and from De Kooy Maritime Airport and Den Helder Airport (DHA). We have coordinated this with DHA, De Kooy Maritime Airport, the Ministry of Defense, and Rijksoverheid. As a result of this coordination, the design has been modified and a different type of solar panel will be used to prevent glare and dazzle. For the solar park along the Balgzand Canal, we are investigating which type of solar panel is most suitable for installation.
The generation of sustainable energy at these locations is in line with HHNK's commitment to energy neutrality. The goal is to be fully self-sufficient in energy and emission neutral by 2035.
Biodiversity
In the design of the solar park along the Balgzand Canal, we are taking nature carefully into account. Two nature strips will be created alongside the solar park. We have currently drawn up a conceptual design, which will be further developed in 2026.
These nature strips are linked to another HHNK project: Improvement of Wet Infrastructure in Noordkop. The Balgzand Canal is an important connection for fish migration between the Wadden Sea and the North Holland hinterland. Within the project 'Improvement of Wet Infrastructure in Noordkop' (Noordkop for short), we are working on measures to improve fish migration and increase the diversity of fish species between the Wadden Sea, the IJsselmeer, and the polder waters behind it. This is being done, among other things, by creating fish spawning grounds and nursery areas in the Balgzand Canal (Spuikanaal).
The nature strips are a valuable addition to these measures and contribute to strengthening existing and future biodiversity in the area.
In addition, part of the energy generated by the solar parks will be used to supply the nearby Oostoever pumping station, which is also being built as part of the Noordkop project. This means that the energy will be used locally and sustainably, contributing to a future-proof design for the area.
When will the project take place and how long will it last?
Oostoever solar park and wastewater treatment plant site
- 2025: Final designs ready
- Q2 2026: Launch of the bidding process for the project
- 2026/2027: Start construction
Solar park and nature strip along the Balgzand Canal
- 2026: Finalizing the design and applying for the necessary permits
- 2026: Launch of the bidding process for the project (included as an option in the bid)
- 2027: Start of construction
No rights can be derived from the schedule. The schedule may be adjusted if work is delayed or takes longer than expected.
Permits
The environmental permits for the solar park on the wastewater treatment plant site and the solar park on Oostoever have been definitively granted. In 2026, work will begin on the environmental permit (BOPA = non-plan-based environmental planning activity) for the solar park and the nature strip along the Balgzand Canal. As soon as it is made available for public review, we will inform you via this site.
Who do we work with?
We collaborate with various parties such as the municipality of Den Helder, the Port of Den Helder, and the NAM.
Want to know more?
For more information about this project, please contact Ms. J. Kraak, the project’s environmental manager, via our contact form or by calling the water board’s general phone number: 072 - 582 8282.