TUI officially inaugurates 1,358-solar-panel installation on roof of headquarters in Zaventem

TUI has officially inaugurated the installation of 1,358 solar panels on the roof of its headquarters in Zaventem today. Carried out in collaboration with Eneco Solar, this project marks another step forward in the rollout of the group’s sustainability strategy. The installation will now cover more than half of the building’s annual electricity consumption with locally generated green energy.

A technically unique project within the airport zone

Installing the solar park within the perimeter of Brussels Airport presented a unique technical and administrative challenge. While photovoltaic installations are increasingly common across Europe, their integration within an airport environment remains exceptional due to the strict safety and visibility requirements for pilots.

Multiple studies were conducted before the panels could be installed. The project began with a structural stability study of the hangar to ensure the building’s safety. A roof and energy yield analysis was then carried out to guarantee the durability of the installation and the investment’s viability. Finally, technical adjustments to the existing lightning protection system were necessary.

The main challenges were related to the building’s location within the airport zone, requiring additional approvals from Brussels Airport Company, skeyes (following a glare study, a technical analysis of potential reflection effects on pilots), the fire department, and the grid operator.

In this context, low-reflective solar panels were chosen in accordance with the specific safety regulations applicable within the airport zone. A public tender was conducted to select the project partners.

Outstanding energy performance

The installation comprises 1,358 panels, each with a capacity of 640 watt-peak (Wp). The estimated annual production is approximately 800 MWh, equivalent to the average electricity consumption of about 230 Belgian households.

This means that 53 % of the total electricity consumption of the TUI headquarters is now covered by renewable energy. About 70 % of the electricity is used on-site, while the remaining 30 % is fed back into the grid.

The solar park powers the Engineering & Maintenance hangar, the TUI-wide centre for fleet maintenance and technical support. In this hangar, specialized teams carry out inspections, maintenance, and technical updates for aircraft operated by TUI fly Belgium and other group airlines.

Thomas Ellerbeck, Member of the Group Executive Committee and Chief Sustainability Officer of TUI Group: “By generating renewable energy on our own site, we not only reduce our ecological footprint but also demonstrate that innovation and responsibility go hand in hand – even in a complex airport environment. This achievement highlights the shared commitment of TUI and its partners to actively contribute to a more sustainable future and invest in responsible energy use.”

Paul Minjauw, Managing Director, Eneco Solar: “This project proves that sustainable energy is possible in places where it once seemed impossible. Together with TUI, we have implemented an innovative solution that not only generates energy but also inspires. Everyone knows TUI as the company that takes people to the sun. From today, we are also bringing the sun to them.”