The owner of a solar park along the A9 motorway near Schiphol must remove some of the park's solar panels. This was decided by the court recently following summary proceedings. You can read exactly what that entails in this article.
Earlier this year, Air Traffic Control the Netherlands (LVNL), various airlines and Schiphol decided to introduce a temporary measure. No landings were permitted on the Polderbaan Runway for two hours in sunny weather because glare from solar panels under the approach route was blinding pilots. This temporary measure was necessary to ensure safety.
The measure was withdrawn after a few weeks because the position of the sun at that time no longer caused glare that impeded air traffic. However, it was already evident back then that the position of the sun later in the year would again cause glare. And that's why it was important to find a solution.
Despite intensive consultations with the owner of the solar park, the municipality of Haarlemmermeer, the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate, and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, a solution remained elusive. Schiphol therefore initiated summary proceedings to prevent further runway closures. The court has since issued a ruling, ordering the solar park's owner to remove some of the solar panels. We understand this ruling is far-reaching. However, it is a necessary first step toward eliminating part of the safety risk.
Unfortunately, the problem hasn't been completely resolved. First of all, it's crucial that the removal of the panels begins quickly. And by the end of August, the blinding glare will return to the remaining solar panels in the park. This remains an unacceptable safety risk, as the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) also concludes. We therefore expect the ILT's enforcement request to lead to further action, and we remain in discussions with the municipality of Haarlemmermeer and the owner of the solar park.
In the interests of local residents, airlines and travellers, it is essential to find a comprehensive and safe solution as quickly as possible. That is why Schiphol has sent an urgent letter to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management. We are monitoring developments closely and will inform our neighbours as soon as more information becomes available.