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SunGilles / Vlogaert

In the SunGilles housing block tenants are involved in sharing the energy generated on the roof. This pilot project demonstrates how people without any capital can participate in an energy community.

In November 2020, almost a hundred solar panels were installed on the roof of the apartment block on Rue Vlogaert in Saint Gilles, financed by the owner of the building and social housing company Foyer du Sud. The solar panels generate enough power for dozens of families. Unfortunately, it is not yet possible to share the energy generated with the residents. The solar power that is not consumed to supply the communal areas with power is simply fed back into the electricity grid. In anticipation of the necessary legislation, CityMine(d) is leading a pilot project to apply for an exception to Brugel, the energy regulator in Brussels. The project is aimed at social tenants in a housing block, and not only at the well-off middle class who have the means to install solar panels on their roofs. CityMine(d) is trying to answer three important questions in SunGilles / Vlogaert. How can local solar power be distributed fairly between all residents? How can we ensure the project continues to be as inclusive as possible? And how can we make the project beneficial for everyone, on different levels? It is working on these issues with the residents through organising mini-meetings, ateliers and workshops or producing a podcast. It means the residents are involved as closely as possible in the process. For example, they have a say in the distribution key related to the energy generated. SunGilles / Vlogaert is one component of the energy community in the making, at the level of the entire Zuidwijk, La Pilone, on which CityMine(d) is currently working.

partners and actors
CityMine(d), Foyer du Sud
theme
energy
innovative aspects
good citizenship, ownership, solidarity, financing
scale
building
website
lapile.org


slideshow
SunGilles in the spotlight
Together with the owner of the residential block and the social housing company Foyer du Sud, nearly one hundred solar panels were installed on the roof of the apartment building on Vlogaertstraat, in the hope they will soon supply renewable energy to people with less capital.

Sharing solar power in SunGilles
Sharing solar power in SunGilles
© CityMine(d)
Illustration of the Vlogaert building
imageIllustration of the Vlogaert building
The launch of the energy community brings key people and organisations together around the table to get things moving. This approach means that the different voices are heard and the needs of the district are identified.


Illustration of the Vlogaert building


photo: Fanny Monier - CityMined

Working group of micro-ateliers in SunGilles
imageWorking group of micro-ateliers in SunGilles
The organisation of working groups ensures greater inclusiveness within the project. Residents will be involved in the decision-making process and will be able to participate in mini-ateliers to reflect on the future of their energy consumption.


Working group of micro-ateliers in SunGilles

How the first energy community in Brussels shares solar power
articleHow the first energy community in Brussels shares solar power
SunGilles is a pioneer in the emerging energy community for the entire southern district of La Pilone. The project is constantly looking for a way to scale up and aims to make energy sharing accessible to the entire neighbourhood.


How the first energy community in Brussels shares solar power


photo: Sara De Sloover. Bruzz, 2021