Novar and Coöperatie Eekerpolder have reached financial close for Solar Park Eekerpolder, the largest solar park project in the Netherlands. Construction of the solar park began in February 2025, marking an important milestone in the region’s transition to renewable energy.
Coöperatie Eekerpolder and Novar have worked closely together from the start on a solar park that brings together renewable energy, nature, and recreation. The project includes 18 hectares of nature-friendly integration, 10 of which will be publicly accessible. In this way, we contribute not only to the energy transition but also to a greener living environment.
For the realization of Solar Park Eekerpolder, Novar is working with two different municipalities. The park is located partly in the municipality of Midden-Groningen (70 hectares) and partly in the municipality of Oldambt (90 hectares).
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Both municipalities are part of the Regional Energy Strategy (RES) Groningen, which aims to generate at least 5.7 TWh of renewable energy by 2030.
The location of the solar park
Solar Park Eekerpolder is located south of the A7 and east of the N33, roughly between Scheemda and Zuidbroek. As a result, it spans both the municipality of Midden-Groningen and the municipality of Oldambt. The park will be situated beneath the wind turbines north of the village of Scheemda. Three environmental permits have been applied for and granted by the municipalities for the solar park.
The total area of the solar park is approximately 160 hectares, with around 70 hectares located in the municipality of Midden-Groningen and the remaining 90 hectares in the municipality of Oldambt. Thanks to an intensive and constructive collaboration with Coöperatie Eekerpolder, we are well on our way to realizing a well-supported and meaningful solar park.
How can residents participate?
In the lead-up to the development of the solar park, Novar entered into a partnership with Coöperatie Eekerpolder. The focus was on a meaningful collaboration, jointly addressing the landscape integration process, building local support, and engaging with various stakeholders. More information about this can be found on the website of Coöperatie Eekerpolder.
What added value does the solar park offer?
In addition to discussions with Coöperatie Eekerpolder, many conversations were held with landscape architects and local government authorities. Together, they and Novar decided that more than 25% of the project area will be dedicated to the landscape integration of the park. This includes widening watercourses, adding extra vegetation along the edges of the solar park, and creating natural zones around the site. In addition to rest areas with picnic benches, a bicycle path will be developed right alongside the Winschoterdiep.
Solar Park Eekerpolder will deliver approximately 200 MWp of installed capacity, supplying green electricity to around 67,000 households. This makes it a major contributor to the previously mentioned RES target, reinforcing its importance in the transition to a sustainable energy system.
Our process
Design
Permit
Financing
Construction
In use
Construction of Solar Park Eekerpolder began in February 2025. The project is expected to be completed in early 2026.
Below is an overview of the construction activities that may cause inconvenience in the surrounding area.
| What | Description | Potential inconvenience for the surrounding area |
|---|---|---|
| Site setup | The construction site will be prepared for installation, including groundwork, fencing, and site cabins. | Construction traffic via transport route |
| Foundation & cabling | Piling for foundations and installation of tables on which the solar panels will be mounted, as well as cable installation. | Construction traffic via transport route + piling activities |
| Installation of solar panels | Construction of structures, installation of solar panels and related infrastructure (such as inverter stations). | Construction traffic via transport route |
| Landscape integration | In the second half of 2025, planting of greenery in and around the solar park will begin. | Construction traffic via transport route |
Eekerweg closed
To ensure everyone’s safety, Eekerweg will be closed to traffic at the end of February. Cyclists and pedestrians will be redirected via Vogelzangsterweg, Meentweg, and Hereweg. The municipality previously granted an exemption for this closure for the full duration of the solar park (30 years). In the future, a new cycling route will be created along the northern edge of the solar park, running parallel to the dike of the Winschoterdiep.
Transport route
The image below shows the transport route that the contractor will use to deliver materials for the construction of Solar Park Eekerpolder.
Last edited on 5 June 2025
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