BRUGES, BELGIUM – In a strategic move to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy, the city of Bruges has launched a new initiative offering free, impartial advice to local businesses planning large-scale solar installations. The city has appointed Belgian consultancy Emaze BV to act as an independent solar broker for small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and other organizations.
The program is designed to simplify the complex process of deploying commercial and industrial solar projects. Because the service is funded directly by the city, Emaze BV can provide support without commercial interests or commissions, ensuring that businesses receive unbiased guidance tailored to their specific needs.
The broker’s support covers the entire project lifecycle, from initial financial calculations and feasibility studies to navigating contract negotiations with installers and overseeing the final commissioning of the system. According to the city’s announcement, the service also extends to integrating complementary technologies, including battery storage, electric vehicle charging stations, and energy control systems, allowing businesses to create a comprehensive energy solution.
To qualify for the free assistance, organizations must be located within the Bruges territory and have a rooftop larger than 500 square meters available for installation. The program specifically targets SMEs, excluding larger companies and those already mandated to install solar panels due to annual electricity consumption exceeding 1 GWh.
This initiative is a key component of Bruges’ broader energy strategy, which aims to generate 90% of the city’s electricity from local solar and wind power. By removing barriers and providing expert guidance, Bruges hopes to unlock the vast potential of its commercial rooftops, a goal that complements other significant regional efforts like the construction of West Flanders’s largest solar park at the Ostend-Bruges Airport.
