Locally owned Skûlenboarch floating solar park

The solar park will consist of approximately 64,800 solar panels with a total capacity of 46 megawatts, making it the largest floating solar park in the Netherlands. Construction is expected to start in the spring of 2026, after which the park will be commissioned in September 2026.

Careful use of space and nature development 

The municipality of Tytsjerksteradiel attaches great importance to the careful and multifunctional use of the available space. By combining the former sand extraction lake with sustainable energy generation and redesigning the surrounding area to include space for nature and recreation, the location is being used to its full potential. The area development is in line with the policy frameworks of both the municipality of Tytsjerksteradiel and the municipality of Achtkarspelen, with a focus on recreational enhancement, biodiversity development, and landscape quality.

The design pays special attention to ecology and biodiversity. The solar park will be located at least 30 meters from the shore and will cover a maximum of 50 percent of the water surface. This will leave sufficient space for water birds to rest and forage. The use of translucent panels and skylights will prevent the formation of oxygen-depleted zones and keep the aquatic ecosystem in balance. 

Space for recreation

In addition to sustainable energy and nature restoration, the area around the lake will be developed to include space for recreation. The area will feature mountain bike and hiking trails, attractive places to stay, and green landscaping that invites visitors to relax and enjoy nature.

Social value and control over energy transition

According to the municipality, the project will deliver broader social added value once completed. Alderman Berber van Zandbergen:

“With this investment, we are contributing to local ownership and control: we are gaining control over the energy supply in our municipality. In addition, we are ensuring that future revenues do not flow abroad, but remain in our municipality for the long term. 

Together with our co-investors, we are thus acquiring an important position in the energy transition. In the long term, this offers opportunities for improving the business climate for companies and kick-starting housing construction ambitions, which are currently under pressure due to grid congestion. As a municipality, we are taking on a different role, enabling important steps to be taken here to make the electricity supply future-proof.

Important role for Fûns Skjinne Fryske Enerzjy

Fûns Skjinne Fryske Enerzjy (FSFE) also emphasizes the importance of the investment. Director Michel Hendriks: 

“With this investment, FSFE is making a substantial contribution to the energy transition in Fryslân. We always find it particularly inspiring to work with highly motivated representatives of energy cooperatives such as Enerzjyk Skûlenboarch. The FSFE primarily enables the energy cooperative to participate effectively and achieve local control. As a co-shareholder, we also see ourselves as a knowledge partner of Enerzjyk Skûlenboarch and will support the cooperative's board with advice and assistance where necessary."

Focus on local involvement

For the Enerzjyk Skûlenboarch Cooperative, the acquisition represents an important step toward local involvement and control. Chairman Harm de Vries:

“This acquisition will give the surrounding villages of Jistrum, Kootstertille, Eastermar, and Drogeham a concrete and lasting involvement. Through Enerzjyk Skûlenboarch, residents will have a say in both future energy generation and the use and layout of the area around the lake.

The co-shareholding arrangement means that revenues are structurally returned to the surrounding villages. This has been made possible by the collaboration between public parties and the creativity in the financial and legal implementation, together with Enber and Olenz Notarissen. In the next phase, we will work with Elix towards the actual realization of the park.