A solar panel park near Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport is posing a serious safety risk and disrupting air traffic, according to airport authorities.
The panels reflect sunlight so strongly that pilots are being blinded during critical flight phases. Schiphol has called the situation an “unacceptable risk to safety.”
The airport estimates potential damages could reach up to €300 million.
Schiphol has taken legal action against the park’s owner, and a Dutch court is set to rule on 2 July whether the panels must be removed.
In March, the airport was forced to close a runway between 10 a.m. and noon due to unsafe landing conditions. Similar disruptions are expected in August, when the sun’s angle increases the intensity of reflections.
“If the panels are not removed, Schiphol will be forced to close the affected runways at certain sun angles. This will impact airport operations, capacity, and local residents, as the closure of the Polderbaan and Zwanenburgbaan would require the use of alternative runways that cause more disturbance,” a Schiphol spokesperson told news outlet De Telegraaf.
The airport reportedly assessed the damages at around €300 million and is said to be planning to file a claim with the municipality, Haarlemmermeer.
A spokesperson of the municipality declined to comment on the reported damages, and said that an agreement was needed, in order to avoid the additional closure of any landing strips.
When Schiphol had to close a runway in March, Haarlemmermeer said that the panels would be removed, but nothing happened.
The spokesperson said they did not have the ability to force the removal of the panels.
According to Solar Storage Magazine, the conflict partly centres on the type of glass used for the solar panels.
At the time of construction, the aviation sector had previously recommended using deeply textured glass, which absorbs more sunlight rather than reflecting it.
However, the solar park’s owner opted for lightly textured glass with an anti-reflective coating.The owner stated that the recommended type of solar panels was no longer available during construction.
The owner of the solar park, DGEC, has no plans to remove the solar panels at this time. Discussions about possible solutions are still ongoing, a spokesperson said. “Schiphol’s demand is not based on any applicable standard and is therefore not acceptable to DGEC. The panels will remain in place for now.”
The government has trying to mediate between both parties, but without success.
“The discussions consider both the importance of flight safety and the need to advance the energy transition in the municipality of Haarlemmermeer,” outgoing minister Robert Tieman said about the talks.
Schiphol Airport, located near Amsterdam, is one of Europe’s busiest airports, handling over 60 million passengers annually. It serves as a major hub for KLM and global transit. Operated by Royal Schiphol Group, it generates billions in revenue through aviation, retail, and real estate. It is considered to be key to Dutch connectivity and economy.
Airline organisations are furious and even Washington is threatening to take retaliatory measures. https://t.co/cuvvKzwmNw
— Brussels Signal (@brusselssignal) September 1, 2023
