Ambitious renewable energy project
In response to the growing need for climate action and energy independence, a major renewable energy project is set to take shape at the Sablière site in Mont-Saint-Guibert, Belgium. Named PIPER-BW (Industrial Renewable Energy Production Projects in Walloon Brabant), the hub will eventually feature around 12,000 photovoltaic panels, a battery storage system and eight fast electrical charging points for lorries.
To carry out this ambitious project, BESIX Group has joined forces with in BW in an innovative public-private partnership. in BW is an intermunicipal company in Walloon Brabant, with responsibilities spanning waste and water management as well as the province’s economic development. The PIPER-BW project aims to enhance in BW's energy independence and will benefit numerous local businesses and stakeholders.
BESIX Power, BESIX Group’s subsidiary specialising in renewable energy and its storage, will be responsible for the development and financing of the project, and in particular for its exploitation at local level.
Pierre Sironval, CEO of BESIX Group: "We are delighted to contribute to this flagship renewable energy project for in BW. Our proposal reflects BESIX's recognised expertise in managing complex infrastructure projects, our strong commitment to sustainable solutions, and BESIX Invest's extensive experience in structuring and delivering public-private partnerships. We would like to sincerely thank in BW for their trust, and we look forward to a fruitful collaboration."
The three key components of PIPER-BW
The PIPER-BW project has three components:
1. Solar panel fields
In the long term, and pending the outcome of feasability studies, 12,000 photovoltaic panels (4,000 in the first phase) will be installed oacross 8 hectares of sun-exposed embankments. The potential annual production capacity will be around 10 GWh, enough to cover the average electricity consumption of 2,857 households.
2. Battery energy storage
A battery energy storage system (potential of 2 MW) will be installed to maximise self-consumption over time. An energy consumption management software will also be introduced. The electricity generated will be used primarily on the site, but also potentially in the surrounding area.
3. Loading bays for heavy vehicles
The lorry traffic passing through the Sablière is another advantage of the project. Initially, two 150 kW charging stations will be set up, with a total of eight stations planned in the longer term. These will be capable of generating around 2.5 GWh of green electricity annually and will be compatible with all types of lorries.
A strategic and sustainable investment
PIPER-BW has a number of advantages. It will enhance the appeal of Walloon Brabant and the future Sablière economic activity zone (PAE), while making the most of a residual area (the Sablière at the end of its useful life). By promoting the intelligent, sustainable use of resources, the project will make a meaningful contribution to Wallonia’s 2030 Air-Climate-Environment Plan. It stands as a sound green economic investment, opening the door to long-term synergies with companies in the Sablière PAE and surrounding areas. Lastly, it lays the groundwork for further development opportunities in the years ahead.
The development and permit application phase is scheduled to begin in January 2026, with operations expected to commence by 2028.
Laurent Dauge, Managing Director of in BW: "From the outset, in BW has been committed to integrating environmental and energy concerns into its business activities. Today, these concerns are more central than ever to our society. That's why we've established ourselves as the driving force behind sustainable transition in Walloon Brabant. We want to carry out flagship projects aimed at achieving energy independence. With the Sablière embankments offering great potential, we’re aiming to develop an innovative project that combines local self-consumption with participation in balancing the grid."