On the border area of the Municipality of Westerveld and the Municipality of Midden Drenthe (Hoogersmilde) and near the village of Veendijk, the possibility of developing two floating solar parks is currently being investigated. This innovative solution involves many technical challenges.

In Hoogersmilde, the installation of solar panels on water is not only being considered, but also the possible relocation of the panels to ensure the continuation of sand mining.

LEIS provides support in the preparatory phases of these projects. In doing so, LEIS examines in particular whether regional energy cooperatives can become co-owners of both parks (local ownership) and which regional cooperatives from Area cooperative Southwest Drenthe want to be involved in this. Co-ownership means not only sharing in the joys, but also responsibility for the burdens.

If both projects go ahead, the municipality of Westerveld will meet its energy targets. Solar farm Calduran will provide an estimated output of 30 MW and solar farm Paardeweide will provide 12 MW