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The city of Amsterdam says it will soon start developing its first community-run “solar meadow”, the proceeds of which will go towards projects that assist poorer residents.
The city is developing a new district with 8,000 homes on an artificial island called Strandeiland. However, the new land must “settle” before houses can be built on it, the city says.
To put it to use in the meantime, Amsterdam is constructing a solar farm on the island that will produce enough electricity to power about 750 households. The panels will be raised and spread out, with the aim of establishing a haven for plant, insect and bird life.
The solar meadow will be in place for at least 13 years, the city says. The proceeds from the energy it produces will fund “social projects that fight inequality and poverty”.
Via a cooperative called GOED, residents of Amsterdam can participate in the project. They’ll receive interest payments and have a say in how the profits are used.
Construction is expected to begin in 2024.
