Zelzate (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Construction of Fabriek Energiek 2.0 began in Zelzate at Zonneberg solar park. Led by Dagmar Beernaert, it will open in 2026, expanding programs for schools, families, and professionals.
As VRT News reported, construction has begun on Fabriek Energiek 2.0, a new sustainable energy centre in Zelzate, in the province of East Flanders, Belgium. The building will be located at Zonneberg, one of the largest solar parks in the Benelux. The project started today, Sep 9, 2025.
The centre will serve as a knowledge and meeting hub where young people, families, schools, companies, and professionals can explore renewable energy, energy efficiency, circular construction, and nature-inclusive design.
How will Fabriek Energiek 2.0 transform sustainable learning in Zelzate?
The new Fabriek Energiek 2.0 in Zelzate will be bigger compared to the existing Fabriek Energiek 1.0. Authorities said that the expansion is necessary because the current centre already attracts thousands of visitors annually. The new building will provide room for innovative learning programs, interactive workshops, and demonstration projects.
“We want to bring even more young people, children, and schools here to learn about sustainable energy,”
says Provincial Executive Dagmar Beernaert (Vooruit).
“There will be plenty of opportunities to explore this topic, for example, learning how energy is generated or working with hydrogen. It’s not a classroom setting; it’s hands-on.”
Construction of the new centre has commenced and will be completed by summer 2026. The existing building, Fabriek Energiek 1.0, will be moved to the Flemish Ardennes. It will remain open to provide schools, companies, and regional communities access to its educational courses and interactive exhibitions.
Fabriek Energiek first opened in Zelzate in 2017 as a hub to facilitate renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable building. It has since become a major regional hub welcoming thousands of visitors a year, ranging from schoolchildren to families and professionals. The hub has facilitated workshops, demonstration projects, and educational programs to build awareness about climate action and smart energy solutions.
