Shell Develops Solar Power Plant at Moerdijk Site

Royal Dutch Shell plc said that it is developing a solar power plant at its Moerdijk (Netherlands) chemicals site, with construction planned to begin in 2018. The project will provide an approximate peak capacity of 20MW of renewable power.

The power produced from the solar plant will be incorporated in the energy consumption of Shell Moerdijk. The power produced in the installation is the equivalent of the power consumption of approximately 7,000 Dutch households.

The solar plant will be constructed on an unused parcel of land at Shell Moerdijk, one of Europe’s largest chemicals manufacturing sites. Shell’s New Energies Business is the developer of the project.

“Developing this solar power plant in Moerdijk fits within Shell’s ambition to play an active role in the Dutch energy transition. We are eager to limit emissions through energy efficiency improvements of our processes and investments in new energy activities at the same time. Other examples of Shell’s work in the Netherlands energy transition include offshore wind in the North Sea, electric mobility at our retail sites and residual heat from Shell Pernis,” said Marjan van Loon, president-director Shell Nederland.

“The market for solar power has developed over the years. Shell recognises that solar will play an increasing role in tomorrow’s energy systems. That’s why Shell is investing in solar projects and knowledge,” said Marc van Gerven, vice-president solar for Shell New Energies Business.

“Teams at the 17 refineries and chemicals plants Shell operates strive to improve their energy efficiency. They are investing in units to cogenerate electricity and heat, improving utilisation, upgrading equipment and technology, and even selling excess heat to neighbours.  This solar project at Moerdijk demonstrates that creativity is needed and good ideas will be implemented to achieve our goal of reduced carbon intensity,” said Lori Ryerkerk, Shell executive vice-president of manufacturing.