This summer, ASTER officially kicked off construction of Flanders’ first Super Smart Charging Hub (SSCH), a pioneering project set to transform sustainable mobility and energy use in the region. The initiative is being developed at the office building of Woonmaatschappij Rivierenland in Mechelen, right in the heart of a social housing neighbourhood and adjacent to a local service centre. The SSCH will function as a living lab.
The unique location ensures strong local demand for the solar energy that will be generated on-site, while also offering a promising setting for the rollout of electric mobility solutions.
First phase
In the first phase of the project, solar panel installer EnergyVision mounted 32 high-efficiency solar panels on the office roof. With a capacity of 435 Wp per panel, totalling 13.92 kWp, the system is expected to produce approximately 12,737 kWh of renewable electricity annually.
Much of this clean energy will power day-to-day office operations, including lighting, computers, and printers. Surplus energy will be stored in a battery system or directed to six semi-public electric vehicle charging stations located in adjacent parking areas.
Initially, these charging points will serve the electric service vehicles of the housing company, primarily after office hours. However, the infrastructure will also be made available to local residents, visitors, and suppliers to the nearby service centre.
Second phase
The second phase of the project, scheduled for autumn 2025, will see the installation of a battery storage system and V2G (vehicle-to-grid) ready charging stations. Before this can happen, technical studies are needed to determine the appropriate battery size and plan the cable routing.
The SSCH in Flanders is a key step forward in demonstrating how solar energy, smart storage, and electric mobility can work together in an urban environment to create a more sustainable and efficient future.