Radiant start of the Open Energy Day at Solar Park Zonnewoud in Zeewolde
Zeewolde, Sunvest, September 20, 2025. Photo credits: Sunvest
Open Energy Day
Under a radiant September sun, the Open Energy Day was held on Saturday, September 20, at Solar Park Zonnewoud in Zeewolde. At 10:00 in the morning, the first visitors gathered at the Groenewoudseweg, where Sunvest and energy cooperative Zeenergie together opened the solar park to the public for the first time. In total, about 50 people came to take a behind-the-scenes look at sustainable energy generation.
Official opening of Solar Park Zonnewoud
After a warm welcome, the official opening followed at 10:30 with speeches by Riena Tienkamp (Province Head, Staatsbosbeheer), Ernst Bron (Alderman for Sustainability, Zeewolde), Thijs van Daalen (Zeenergie), and Thomas Dietz (Sunvest). In their remarks, they emphasized the special character of Zonnewoud: a place where energy production goes hand in hand with nature, recreation and education. “This solar park shows that sustainability can also be an experience,” one speaker noted. Together, they unveiled the information board as the official opening of Solar Park Zonnewoud.
Visitors could then explore the site via guided tours. Some took a ride on a cable car along the solar panels, others climbed the observation tower to admire Horsterwold and the panels. For children, special activities were organized: they enthusiastically helped build an insect hotel, which was filled by the end of the day. They also made bird-feeder bottles to proudly take home. The reactions from visitors were positive and heartwarming. One participant aptly said: “Sunvest gives good energy.”
Together toward a sustainable future
The success of the day shows that there is strong interest in Zeewolde for the energy transition and for projects in which the local community can actively participate. Thanks to the cooperation between Sunvest and Zeenergie, and the involvement of residents who invested via bonds, Zonnewoud is an inspiring example of how sustainable energy is realized locally.
The National Open Energy Day is organized annually by the Dutch Association for Sustainable Energy (NVDE) and industry organizations in the sector. Across the country, dozens of sustainable energy projects open their doors to the public.
In cooperation with owners, governments and local residents, Sunvest develops, builds, manages and operates large nature-friendly Agri-Solar projects combined with battery storage, which not only integrate seamlessly into the landscape and society, but also contribute positively to local nature, agriculture and surroundings. Our motto: More than just sun.
