Borealis Solar Carports

Introduction

Engie Sun4Business has successfully designed, built, and financed a photovoltaic (PV) plant totaling 2.125 MVA on the parking shade rooftops of two Borealis manufacturing plants, located in Beringen and Kallo in Belgium.

Enersynt was tasked with ensuring compliance with the Type B grid code requirements for Power Park Modules (PPMs) of the Belgian Transmission System Operator (TSO), Elia.

Project Background

Borealis is one of the world's largest suppliers of advanced and sustainable polyolefin solutions. It is also a leading player in polyolefin recycling in Europe and a major producer of basic chemicals.  

Together with ENGIE, they completed a 3.3 MWp solar project, involving the installation of a total of nearly 4,800 double-sided solar panels on carports at two different locations in Flanders, Belgium. The carports provide sheltered parking for nearly 500 cars and are equipped with charging points for electric vehicles, offering improved parking convenience for staff and visitors to the Borealis sites in Kallo and Beringen.

Role of Enersynt

Enersynt has contributed in the following ways to support Engie S4B to attain grid compliance approval from Elia:

Electrical Power Systems Modeling

Our power system engineers have developed detailed RMS and EMT electrical models of the installed PV plant in DIgSILENT PowerFactory and PSCAD formats respectively, integrating inverter models into the overall electrical models of the project. These models served as the foundation for our subsequent analyses and studies.

Grid Compliance Studies

Enersynt conducted grid studies to demonstrate compliance with Elia’s Type B PPM connection requirements. These involved running static simulations to assess reactive power capability, and load flow simulations to check equipment loading and voltage limits. Dynamic RMS simulations were also performed to analyze frequency stability, fault-ride through capability and voltage support through additional reactive current injection.  

As part of this process, the inverter model parameters were tuned to satisfy the Elia compliance requirements.

Interfacing with Stakeholders  

Enersynt supported Engie S4B in this process by liaising with the inverter supplier on the model requirements and performance validation.  Assistance was provided to complete the Type B Elia Data questionnaire, which involved including results and parameters obtained from the grid compliance studies.  

Testimonials

“Very satisfied with the collaboration. Enersynt helped us navigate the complexities of the RfG conformity requirements. The communication with them went very smoothly and they delivered on the agreed scope and timeline. Thanks a lot ! "

Hendrik Vermeersch, Project Manager, Engie S4B

“Zeer tevreden! Hebben ons echt goed geholpen om Elia studies beter te begrijpen.”

Baudouin Bokiau, EPC Manager, Engie S4B

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Conclusion

The successful completion of the grid compliance studies, coupled with close collaboration with Engie S4B to acquire the timely operational approval from Elia, highlights Enersynt’s commitment to the client success and its broader dedication to advancing global sustainability goals.